Gleason, John “Buddy”

John A. “Buddy” Gleason, age 61, of Wilmington, died peacefully at his home on February 2, 2009, surrounded by his family.

Born on September 18, 1947, in Dorchester, MA, Bud was the son of the late John W. & Charlotte (Avery) Gleason. He grew up in North Reading and graduated from North Reading High School Class of 1965.

Bud was a resident of Wilmington for 31 years. He was a lifelong musician, a member of St. Dorothy’s Parish, Wilmington Folk Group, founding member of Gleason & Scott who performed for many years as part of the Wilmington Fun on the Fourth concert series. Most recently, Bud was a member of the First Baptist Church of Wilmington’s choir. He volunteered his time for the Wilmington Health Care Nursing Home and local senior functions. Bud was also a 30 year member of the Wilmington Kiwanis. Prior to retirement, Bud was employed by AGFA (formerly Compugraphic) in Wilmington for over 30 years.

Bud will be remembered by his family and friends as loving, kind, and devoted. A “gentle giant” with a big heart who gave great hugs.

Bud was the beloved husband of Anita (Rosa) Gleason, devoted father of Michael J. Gleason of Winston, SC, Rebecca D. Gleason of Wilmington, and James “Jamie” E. Gleason and his wife Kristen (Kelley) of Braintree, proud grandfather of Conor A. Gleason of Braintree, dear brother of Therese Hyde of Bluffton Falls, SC, Christopher of Wakefield, Maryann O’Donnell of Beverly Hills, CA, James G. Of North Reading, Margaret Bailey of Tewksbury, Julie Gleason of Arlington, Elizabeth Gleason of Stoneham, Joseph of South Hamilton, Charles of Sandown, NH, Anthony of Ashby, Anne Gleason Schnier of North Andover, and the late Joan Cautela, nephew of Robert Avery of Ohio, Bud is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

His Funeral Service will be held at the Nichols Funeral Home, Inc., 187 Middlesex Ave., (Rte. 62), Wilmington on Thursday, February 5th at 11:00 a.m. Interment Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Visiting hours Wednesday, February 4th from 4-7 p.m. immediately followed by a “time of sharing with family and friends” from 7-8 p.m.

Memorial donations in Bud’s name may be made to Perkins Braille & Talking Book Library, 175 North Beacon St., Watertown, MA 02472 or to the Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Institute, c/o Tufts New England Medical Center, 750 Washington St., Boston, MA 02111.

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