GySgt Francis G. Gleason, USMC (Ret.) passed on December 23, 2021.
Frank, one of thirteen children was born and raised in Amesbury, MA, predeceased by his parents, James and Doris (Dore), and ten siblings.
Frank spent the better part of his life dedicated to our country, as a United States Marine.
A hardcore Drill Instructor, GySgt Gleason proudly instilled Marine Corps traditions and made Marines out of young recruits at the Marine Corps Recruit Depots of Parris Island and San Diego. He left his mark across military bases from ME to CA, with wife and six kids always in tow.
Frank penned poetry, stories, and painted illustrations and was published in the Marine Corps Leatherneck magazine.
Frank served in the USMC infantry in many overseas deployments, in the Korean War, and fought in two combat tours in Vietnam (including service as the Communications Chief of the 1st Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment). After 20 years, in 1971, Frank retired. His personal decorations include: the Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V”; Purple Heart with gold star; Combat Action Ribbon; Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation; Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Vietnam Campaign Medal; Korea Service Medal.
“Once a Marine, always a Marine" ~ Frank forever stood tall and straight, was impeccable, even in “civvies.”
Frank outlived our mother, Eileen (McHale) Gleason, who passed in 2013. He leaves behind his 6 children: John, Francis, Paul, Wendy, Wanda, Kristen, and their loving wives and husbands, 14 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, his 2 siblings, Gail and Priscilla, and many nieces and nephews.
With dignity and Military Honors, Frank will be laid to rest, privately, in Arlington National Cemetery.
SEMPER FI.
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