Dennis J. Gleason, age 65, of Derby, passed away on July 22 after a short but courageous battle with ALS at Griffin Hospital.
His loving wife Dorothy Ahearn Gleason, son, daughter-in-law, and special friends were by his side.
Dennis was born in Derby on August 24, 1948, son of the late James E. and Marjorie Brown Gleason of Ansonia. Dennis was a graduate of Ansonia, class of 1966 and received degrees from Southern Connecticut State University and the University of Bridgeport. Dennis had been a lifelong Valley resident.
Dennis was a retired biology and chemistry teacher, track coach and athletic director at Ansonia High, where he spent his entire career of 33 years. He also served as interim AD at Wolcott High School. He was an avid fan of The New York Yankees and UCONN Women’s Basketball. He enjoyed reading, vacationing in Vermont and Disney World. He especially enjoyed his vacation to Alaska with his best friends, the Vaccaro’s.
Dennis was past president of AFT Local 1012 and was an active participant in many teacher contract negotiations. He was a member of the building committee of the Boys and Girls Club of Ansonia, past president of the Valley Y.M.C.A., member of the Eagle Hose Hook & Ladder, member of the Ansonia Gridiron Club and founding member of the Silver Sluggers of Derby Public Library.
In addition to his wife Dorothy, he is survived by his devoted son Ryan C. (Jillian) of Ansonia, brother Colin (Suzy) of Colorado, Uncle Daniel Mulry of Ansonia, cousins Danny Mulry & Kathleen Savin and other cousins, special family member Denise Keller of Ansonia and his dog Chewy. He was predeceased by his sister.
Friends may greet the family on Friday, July 25 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The Jenkins King & Malerba Funeral Home, 12 Franklin St. Ansonia. (www.jenkinskinghf.com)
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, or The Gleason Initiative Foundation, P.O. Box 24493, New Orleans, LA. 70184.
The Gleason family would like to thank the staff at Griffin Hospital in Derby for their support and compassion.
Additionally, they would like to thank Dr. Lin Acton and Dr. Aymen Alian of Yale.
At Dennis’s request, the funeral will be private.
