Eugene Joseph Gleason

Obituary of Eugene Joseph Gleason

January 10, 1939 – January 30, 2024

Eugene “Gene” Joseph Gleason was born on January 10, 1939, in Long Island City, NY. He spent various stages of his life between Queens and Long Island, finally retiring on the east end. He is predeceased by his parents Eugene and Palma Gleason.

Like his idol, Frank Sinatra, Gene was the crown prince of his family who truly did it “his way”, from being in a street “gang” known as “The Gents” to living it up at the Copa. He also had a love for cooking, especially when it filled his home with his loved ones to enjoy. Later in life he developed a passion (some would say obsession!) for senior softball which became a second home to him. Gene was athletic by nature and loved watching sports while cheering on the NY Giants, Notre Dame and the Yankees.

After serving in the Army from 1957-1964, Gene tapped into his hobby and knowledge of fixing cars, and coupled with his entrepreneurial spirit, began building his legacy on Bell Boulevard in Bayside Queens, NY where he opened a Gas Station followed by Gleason’s Super Automotive. Both remained a huge success and served the community for several decades. Gleason’s was a place where Gene’s family and friends gathered, even “working” behind the counter or pumping gas. It was Gene’s business savvy and drive to succeed that allowed him to expand beyond Gleason’s Super Automotive and successfully open additional parallel businesses throughout Long Island.

And with all of his successes, to Gene, the legacy he was the most proud of, was his family. He was a supporting Husband, Father, Stepfather, “Poppy” and Great-Grandfather who was dedicated to making everyone feel loved. Gene was the toughest negotiator in any situation, until it came to his kids and grandkids, frequently finding him planning a family vacation, walking through the aisles of Toys-R-Us, or at the post office sending out a birthday card.

With a family as big as his, there was always something to celebrate and one thing Gene knew how to do was celebrate, whether drinking his favorite vodka martini, crooning to Frank Sinatra, or having vivacious conversations telling stories of his past or how his Senior Softball team played in their recent game. Gene’s personality was larger than any room he walked into, yet, with his quick-witted wisdom, contagious smile, and always a “Hello My Dear”, he had the ability to make you feel like the most important person in that room.

An Evil Knievel at heart, like anyone who has the courage to take advantage of their life, his didn’t come without trials and tribulations, but it only made him more of a warrior. That strength is ultimately what got him through the last year of his fruitful life where he succumbed to some difficult battles with his health. He passed away peacefully while at home on January 30th, 2024 with his wife, Joan “Joanzee”, by his side.

Gene is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years Joan Ferner Gleason; and nine children: Laura Gleason Manoussos (Teddy), Tracy Gleason Manoussos (Louis), Christopher Gleason, Jennifer Gleason, Nicole Gleason Peragine (Steven), Gabrielle Gleason Jens (Edward), Andrea Fircz, Stephanie Fircz, Billy Fircz (Marie). He is also survived by 18 grandchildren: Carolyn (Jon), Jacolyn, Theresa, Taylor, TJ, Cheyenne, Arielle, Alexa, Matthew, Giuliana, EJ, Gleason Eugene, Elizabeth, Tina, Jimmy, Allison, Drew, Amanda; and one great-grandchild: Isabella.