Obituary for Reverend Laurence Joseph Gleason

Reverend Laurence Joseph Gleason, 67, died on Saturday, March 14, 2020 in Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia of complications from Guillain Barre Syndrome. Born to the late F. Edgar and Catherine M. (Pastorius) Gleason in Norristown, PA, eighth of eight children, "Father Larry" attended Visitation BVM elementary school, Bishop Kenrick High School, Temple University and Northwestern University, receiving both a Bachelor and Master’s degree in voice. A tenor, he pursued a singing career, but his progress was impeded by a rare condition known as Meckel's Diverticulum, which though corrected by surgery, deprived him of the robust constitution necessary for a career in opera. Coping with this disappointment he realized he was being guided to a higher calling.

He entered St. Charles Borromeo Seminary and was ordained a Priest in 1996. He served at Our Lady of Ransom in Philadelphia, St. Luke The Evangelist in Glenside, St. Catherine of Sienna in Horsham, St. Agnes in West Chester, and while stationed at St. Hilary of Poitiers in Rydal, was serving as Chaplain at Holy Redeemer Hospital, Meadowbrook, when he was suddenly paralyzed by Guillain Barre Syndrome in December 2019.

An avid golfer and sports fan, he continued his love for opera, treating various siblings to trips to the Metropolitan Opera. Father Larry's family would like to thank St. Hilary of Poitiers, Abington Hospital, Kindred Hospital, Jeanes Hospital, Tulip Special Care and Temple University Hospital for their efforts on his behalf.

He is survived by his brothers and sisters, Francis E. “Jerry”, husband of the late Ruth Gleason, Heathsville, VA, Richard M., husband of Kathryn Gleason, Oakland, CA, Mary Ann (Gleason) Travitzky, Audubon, John Thomas, husband of Shirley Ann Gleason, Bossier City, LA, Edward M., husband of Sally Gleason, Madison, WI, Eileen M. Gleason, companion of James R. Ludwick, Kutztown, and Robert A., husband of Barbara Gleason, Lansdale; and 24 nieces and nephews, 36 great nieces and nephews and nine great-great nieces and nephews.

Due to the current health concerns from the CDC regarding large crowds and limiting the number of attendees of funeral services, A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated privately by Father Larry's family. Interment will follow in St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cemetery, Norristown. A public memorial mass will be held at a future date. 

The family requests contributions be made in Fr. Larry’s memory to The Knights of Columbus,1 Columbus Plaza, New Haven, CT 06510 or the Patrician Society 121 E. Chestnut Street Norristown, PA 19401.

Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., Kutztown, PA is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be recorded at www.Ludwickfh.com.