Howard E. "Rip" Gleason Jr.

Howard Edwin Gleason Jr. of Hauppauge, New York, known to his friends and family as “Rip”, passed away peacefully the morning of May 29, 2023 at the age of 80. Rip’s family is deeply saddened by his sudden death and forever grateful for the cherished memories we hold in our hearts.

Rip was born on June 4, 1942 to Ida-Mae (Masters) and Howard Edwin Gleason in Rochester, New York.

Rip had many hobbies and interests, but his first love was the saxophone which he played professionally for many years. He traveled with the Jimmy Dorsey Band immediately following his high school graduation in 1961. In the fall of 1964 he moved to New York City to attend The Juilliard School, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1968.

While attending Juilliard in 1964, Rip met and fell in love with Olivia Jane Bost, known to her friends and family as “Tibi”. Rip and Tibi were married in 1966 and happily celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary in December.

Rip continued to play the saxophone professionally after graduating from Juilliard, until the birth of their first child when life called for a more reliable profession. Rip and Tibi moved to Long Island where Rip began a new career as a music teacher, a role he continued for many years.

Rip also developed a passion for woodworking and carpentry. His family holds dear the beautiful handmade candlesticks and bowls that he created over the years.

Later in life, Rip began a career in carpentry and construction. He was a fast learner and mostly self-taught through reading and watching videos. He remained passionate about carpentry throughout his life and loved discussing it with friends and family. He particularly enjoyed teaching his children and grandchildren and loved spending time building with them in his workshop or simply showing them how to use a tool.

Rip was a kind soul who enjoyed nothing more than spending time with friends and family. He maintained many cherished friendships throughout his life and cared deeply for the health and happiness of those friends. He was a devoted husband and father who lived life with integrity and humility, and he took great pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren who feel blessed by his memory.

Rip was predeceased by his father, who died in May 1973, and mother, who died in September 2005.

Rip is survived by his loving wife Olivia Gleason and his memory lives on in their three children, Rob Gleason, Bonnie Brookshaw (Chip), and Kevin Gleason (Natalie); and four grandchildren, Reid and Lainey Brookshaw, and Gavin and Garrett Gleason.

Visitation and a funeral service will be held at Moloney’s Hauppauge Funeral Home (840 Wheeler Road, Hauppauge, NY 11788) on Saturday, June 3. Visitation will be held from 2:00 – 3:30pm, with the funeral service from 3:30 – 4:00pm. A reception immediately follows at Steve’s Piccola Bussola III (352 Wheeler Road, Hauppauge, NY 11788).