Stephen John Glaros

Stephen John Glaros (Steve), age 76, of Jacksonville, FL and Waynesville, NC, went to be with his Lord on January 6, 2021 at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Jacksonville, FL. He passed peacefully after battling Covid-19.

Steve Glaros loved Gator football. So much so that you might think he was born in the Swamp. Not so, he was born in Plant City, FL. His birth certificate mistakenly listed him as one of triplets, prompting him to declare often that he was “good enough for three.” Steve was a natural born storyteller, a wise man who was also a jovial, know-it-all. If he didn’t know the answer or explanation for something, he was likely to make it up and deliver the malarkey persuasively.

He met Gail, the love of his life and wife of 55 years, in Plant City while hanging around the Methodist Church and the Planteen trying to get a date. Their courtship began when they were both in the Plant City High School marching band- Steve playing the trumpet, and Gail performing as a majorette. When Gail agreed to date him, he was rewarded with the companionship of Laddie, Gail’s collie, who followed him home each night and slept outside his window – just to keep an eye on that fellow. Steve married Gail a few years later in 1965 while completing his degree at the University of Florida’s College of Pharmacy. After graduation in 1967, they moved to Jacksonville where Steve worked as a pharmacist as they built their lives together. In 1978, he bought Wood’s Pharmacy on Edgewood Avenue in Jacksonville, which he owned and operated for 33 years. After a number of years, Steve became a prescribing pharmacist, the first in Duval County, so that he could help even more people. During his career, he served as president of the Duval County Pharmaceutical Association and was active in the Florida Pharmaceutical Association. Steve retired after assisting and healing the community for 44 years. Upon retirement, Steve and Gail split their time living in Jacksonville, FL near their precious granddaughters and Waynesville, NC, which Steve said reminded him so much of Plant City in the 1950s.

Steve was a devout Christian and a man of great faith. He was an active member and steward of Riverside Park United Methodist Church for many years, sharing his time and talents in a variety of lay leadership positions. He was also a longtime member of the Gator and Quarterback clubs of Jacksonville, FL.

Most importantly, Steve was a devoted husband, a kind and loving father and grandfather, and a loyal friend to many. Gail, his steadfast companion, guided Steve on the path, if not the formal road, all these years. You see, Steve was fond of saying, “I’m lost as h***, but making good time.” Gail was always by his side, ready to point him in the right direction.

A great conversationalist, some might say a talker, Steve attempted to deflect attention away from himself by describing his younger daughter Melissa (another great conversationalist) as being vaccinated with a phonograph needle.

His older daughter Michelle tends to be a smart aleck (she takes after her father in this regard). In one of their last exchanges, Steve was being rolled away for lung and kidney X-rays. When Michelle suggested that sounded like a fun way to spend the Christmas holiday, Steve retorted, “smart a**.” She gently reminded him that it took one to know one.

We would be remiss not to mention that Steve was also an avid fan of Elvis Presley, so much so that for the first few years of their lives, Michelle and Melissa thought that "the king" was the world’s only recording artist.

Steve is survived by his wife Gail Glaros of Jacksonville, FL and Waynesville, NC, his daughter Michelle Glaros (partner, Michael) of Shreveport, LA, his daughter Melissa Matthews (husband, Doug) and their two children Allison Matthews and Emily Matthews, all of Jacksonville, FL. Steve is also survived by his sister Linda, of Safety Harbor, FL and brother James (Jim) of Clearwater, FL. In heaven, he joins his beloved mother, Dorothy Glaros (Dot), his dear father, John Glaros, and his best friend, Jake. We hope for Jake and Steve’s sakes that you do not have to “swage” your food down in heaven.

A visitation for Steve will be held Wednesday, January 13, 2021 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel, 4801 SAN JOSE BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32207. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, January 13, 2021 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 4801 SAN JOSE BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32207. A committal service will occur Wednesday, January 13, 2021 from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM at Oaklawn Cemetery, 4801 SAN JOSE BLVD, JACKSONVILLE, FL 32207.