Albert “Jim” Gleason, beloved husband of Floraine “Sunny” Brunell Gleason, passed away peacefully Wednesday at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital with his wife and son at his side. The compassionate care of the medical and hospice personnel eased his departure from this life and comforted and assisted his family.
Born October 3, 1921 in Wellington, KS, he was the son of Sybilla Mathews Gleason and Albert J. Gleason. In 1932, the family moved to Dallas, TX. He graduated from Adamson School and enlisted in the Naval Reserve in 1938.
Retiring from the Navy in 1962, his career spanned more than 24 years. A Pearl Harbor survivor, he served aboard the USS West Virginia on December 7, 1941. Subsequently, he served aboard the USS Salt Lake City during the longest continuous naval engagement ever fought, where he was awarded the Navy Unit Commendation. Transferring into submarine service in August, 1943, he served aboard the Anthedon, Becuna, Baya, Roncador, Bumper and Sterlet. He was commissioned Chief Warrant Officer in October, 1961.
Before retiring from the Navy in New London in September of 1962, he was recognized by the Commanding Officer of the US Naval Base at New London, N.D. Gage, Captain-USN for his superior performance as Gunnery and Fire Control Repair Officer and his outstanding accomplishments in his collateral duties while at the sub base. He also served on the USS Galveston Guided missile cruiser for over a year.
He continued to work in the private sector consulting for the US Navy on ordinance issues including armory and missle alignment on a variety of surface combatant platforms until retiring to North Stonington.
He was married to Floraine “Sunny” Brunell Gleason in San Lorenzo, Ca on March 9, 1946. In addition to his wife of sixty years, he leaves his cherished son, Albert J. “Jamie” Gleason III and his wife Kelly; a grandson Patrick,; also a son Hannes Traxler and his wife Monika and their 5 children from Vienna, Austria; a sister, Lillian Edens of Boise, Idaho, dear niece Pamela Lang, wife of Colonel Glen Lang who are stationed in Belgium and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by Barbara Stuart, Peggy Petersen, and Patricia Rodgers of Dallas, TX.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Thomas More Church, North Stonington on Monday, July 10th at 9am.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of SECT, PO Box 902, Uncasville 06382, the North Stonington Golden Agers, or the North Stonington Senior Center.
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