Joseph Philip Gleason

Joe was born in Philadelphia, PA, May 11, 1932. He is predeceased by his parents Joseph and Marie, his brother Paul, his daughter Jennifer and his grandson Daniel. He is survived by his beautiful wife of 65 years, Julia “Judi” Gleason, his son Joseph (Mary Pat) Gleason and daughter Patty (Patrick) LeSage, daughter Nancy Gleason, daughter Anne Gleason, and son-in-law Dan Brook. Joe was also Poppie to 13 Grandchildren and 6 Great Grandchildren.

Joe graduated from Villanova University in June 1953. Following graduation, he attended the Naval Officer Candidate School at Newport, Rhode Island and was commissioned in November 1953. Joe served on the USS AMHERST (PCER-8530), USS CONGER (SS-477), USS TENCH (SS-417), USS ROBERT E. LEE (SSBN-601) and the Assistant for POLARIS/POSEIDON Plans and Programs. Joe was Commander of USS SAILFISH (SS-572) until May 1970 and continued service working at the Pentagon. He had 23 years of honorable service to the NAVY, retiring in June 1976. Following his retirement from the NAVY, Joe entered the private sector, specifically the Insurance industry until his formal retirement.

Joe was absolute in his faith and a dedicated family man and friend to all. When not with family, Joe was an avid tennis player, mentor and tutor to students in Sarasota County, Eucharistic Minister for Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church, a volunteer delivering meals on wheels and taxi service, and the group coordinator for ROMEO friend group. One of his proudest endeavors, along with shipmate Saul Feldman, was the coordination of the Veteran’s Day Luncheon at the Meadows for 16 years. Joe was passionate about the importance of recognizing fine patriots in the community.

We kindly ask all who plan on attending the Graveside service at Sarasota National Cemetery on May 9, 2025 to please plan on arriving no later than 11:15 am and follow the "All Funerals" sign upon arrival.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Tunnel to Towers Foundation - www.t2t.org