Fredrick Leroy Glassford

Fredrick Leroy Glassford, 80, passed away on June 1, 2026. He was born in Portland, Indiana on November 11, 1945 and spent many years living all over the map in places such as St. Paul, Minnesota, where he enjoyed ice skating as a child. And, then the family moved to San Antonio, TX where Fredrick attended Douglas McArthor High School and played the base drum in the marching band while attending. After high school, he ultimately moved with the family to Marion, Ohio.

Fredrick earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Ohio State University, a foundation that served him well and prepared him for his 30+ years spent working as Assistant Store Manager for JCPenney’s Company throughout Ohio and Michigan. While working at the Marion JCPenney’s, he met his wife Diane (Sawyer) Glassford who worked at Sears on the opposite side of the mall. Prior to his career in retail, he honorably served as an officer in the United States Army during Vietnam, fulfilling the role of a reporter on the front lines. He didn’t talk much about his time in the military as many didn’t. Instead, he focused his energies on his career that he loved, but more importantly, on his family. He loved his wife, his dogs and each of his children deeply and they were the light of his life. He would have done anything for any of them, as that is type of person he was. He was an amazing human being, loved by all that came into contact with him. He had a witty sense of humor and work ethic like no other. After retirement, he still proceeded to actively work at companies such as Johnson Controls, and he finished his career working part-time at the Rochester Community House. Even his part-time jobs, he took very seriously, never being late or taking time off. He spent much of his leisure time camping and boating with the family, or watching Ohio State Buckeyes football. You knew not to interrupt him during the games as he looked forward to them every week. Fredrick was also a leader in the Marion, Ohio chapter of DeMolay. Fredrick will be remembered for his kind hearted, loving and generous ways and will be greatly missed by all.

Fredrick is survived by his wife, Diane (Sawyer) Glassford; children Kirk (Jacki) Sanborn, Amy (Scott) Harris, Megan (Brandon) Libby, Elizabeth Glassford, and Emily (Richard) Bleil; grandchildren Tyler Sanborn, Sydnee Keucken, Rebecca Beall, and Cayden Land; sister Holly Glassford; many nieces and nephews; and special friend Don McNaughten.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Eileen Glassford; daughter, Ashley Glassford; grandchildren, Wyatt Bleil, Blake Sanborn and Zachary Young; and siblings, Robert Glassford and Cheryl Bosh.

A memorial service is being held for Fredrick Glassford on Monday, June 15 at 11:00am at LifeChurch Auburn Hills. Special family time will be available from 10:00am – 10:30am, and regular visitation is being held from 10:30am – 11:00am, prior to the service. A burial ceremony is being held after the service, with a luncheon being held in his honor immediately following at the Rochester Community House.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to charitable health organizations in honor of Fredrick Glassford.