Robert "Bob" Gleason

Robert “Bob” Gleason, 72, passed away on August 23, 2024, surrounded by family, after a brave seven year battle with cancer. He fought courageously until the very end.

Bob, born on January 21, 1952, was the son of the late Robert D. Gleason, Sr. and Margaret Gleason (Geegan) of Watertown, MA. Bob graduated from Watertown High School in 1970 and went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in education from Westfield State College in 1974. In 1976, Bob married the love of his life, Marsha and lived in Arlington, MA before moving to Northborough, MA where they raised their family. 

Bob began his teaching career in Winchester and was a well-respected elementary school teacher in Belmont, MA for over 30 years. He was a remarkable teacher, impacting the lives of countless students throughout his career. 

In addition to teaching, Bob coached cross country, track and field and girls’ basketball in Belmont for 19 years and was later inducted into the Belmont High School Athletics Hall of Fame. He will be remembered for his passion, motivation, kindness and competitive spirit by the many athletes he coached along the way.

Bob retired in 2009 and spent his retirement days with family and on the golf course. His Wednesday golf crew was very special to him and he looked forward to playing with (and hopefully beating!) them each week.

Nothing mattered more to Bob than family. Above all else, he was a beloved “Papa” to Keegan, Ryan, Ellie and Anna. Papa is what he loved being called above all else. He and Nonnie cherished all the games, meets, shows and events that they attended together. Papa always showed up (even when he was at his sickest) and was their biggest fan. He will be remembered for his hugs, sense of humor and his gift of storytelling.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 48 years, Marsha Gleason (Martino) of Northborough, MA and his children Peter Gleason and wife Kirsten of Millbury, MA, Mara Power and her husband Keith of Hopkinton, MA, his grandchildren Keegan (21) and Ryan (19) of Milbury, MA and Ellie (16) and Anna (13) of Hopkinton, MA, his siblings Patricia Giffen and husband George of Plymouth, MA, Linda Driscoll of Hudson, MA, Marilyn Robertson of North Attleborough, MA, Brian Gleason and his wife Susan of Coventry, CT, his lifelong friend Thomas Daviau of Flanders, NJ and many nieces and nephews. In addition, Bob leaves behind many special friends who greatly enriched his life. 

His family would like to thank the nurses at Marlborough Hospital/UMass Cancer Center and the Palliative Care team at UMass Worcester who took such loving care of Bob during his treatment. 

Bob's Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at St. John the Evangelist, 20 Church Street, Hopkinton, MA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the UMass Cancer Center at Marlborough Hospital.