Richard "Dick" E. Gladstone

A lifelong learner and mentor, Dick lived a modest life of quiet leadership, decency and integrity. A graduate of Brookline High and MIT, Dick rose within Converse Rubber to Director of Technical Services. During World War Two, he overrode a military deferment to enter the army, serving at Camp Detrick, MD. He was discharged from the army two days before marrying the love of his life, Sybil Pilshaw Gladstone.

Retired after 43 years at Converse, Dick devoted the next 30 years to learning, volunteering, and mentoring. Among his services, he raised funds for Combined Jewish Appeal; encouraged young entrepreneurs through SCORE (Service Corps Of Retired Executives); wrote class notes for the MIT alumni magazine; helped seniors with tax issues and bill payments; brought exhibits to life for elementary students at the Boston Museum of Science; and advised students on science projects at the Rashi School. A founding member of Temple Shalom of Newton, Dick served on the Board of Trustees and as Treasurer. He also organized Mitzvah Meals, leading his committee in making sandwiches for homeless men. At age 83, family and friends celebrated Dick becoming a Bar Mitzvah.

To know Dick was to love him. He influenced people of all ages through his benign counseling and gentle suggestions. Cherishing sweet memories are his wife of 73 years, Sybil, his three children and their spouses - Bob and Jackie, Jerry and Sally, Susie and Barry, six grandchildren - Jeremy, Sharon, Mike, Sam, Rob and Jeff, and seven great-grandchildren - Maddy, Emily, Olivia, Noah, Frankie, Nate and Henry. Dick was an adventurer. His legacy of hiking, skiing, and loving the great outdoors lives on through his grandchildren.

To remember Dick, donations in his memory may be made to Mazon (Mazon.org) or Cradles to Crayons (cradlestocrayons.org).

Service will be at Temple Shalom of Newton, 175 Temple Street, Newton on Sunday, February 3, 2019 at 1pm. Interment will be at Sharon Memorial Park.

There will be a Celebration of Life following the burial at NewBridge on the Charles, Great Meadow Hall, 5000 Great Meadow Rd., Dedham from 4-5:30pm.