Jon-David Thurston Gleason, obituary

Mon, 08/10/2020 - 3:15pm

UNION — Jon-David Thurston Gleason, 42 of Union, passed away Wednesday, August 5, 2020 as a result of an automobile accident.

Born in Rockport, Maine January 9, 1978 the son of Craig Thurston Gleason and Sybil Clement Gleason. He graduated from Camden High School in 1996.

In 2010 Jon married the love of his life, Teresa Lynn Witherly. Their marriage began with three stepchildren, Kyle, Connor, and Sarah, followed a year later by their daughter, Ava. Together they formed the “Perfect Union,” in the town of Union, Maine.

In addition to his parents, Jon is survived by his forever wife, Teresa Gleason of Union; and his four children, Kyle Williams of Belfast, Connor Williams, Sarah Williams, and Ava Gleason all of Union, Maine.

Jon also leaves behind a most cherished and influential grandmother “Mammie,” Rosalie Gleason of Appleton, who had a tremendous influence on his life; his sisters Nicole Glidden and her husband Shawn and their daughter Kelsey of North Yarmouth, Maine, Carrie Gleason and fiancé Gerry of Hanover, Maine as well many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins and six step-siblings; broken-hearted in-laws Galen and Barbara Witherly of Hermon.

He is predeceased by his paternal grandfather "Pop" William Thurston Gleason who was the family patriarch and Jon’s lifetime mentor; his maternal grandparents, Carl and Frances (Jones) Clement; and two maternal uncles, Tom and Bill Clement.

Jon-David attended Union Elementary School and middle and high school in MSAD 40. He spent some of his high school years attending Carrabassett Valley Academy near Sugarloaf where he participated in the free-style and mogul skiing competitions. His high school years were interrupted when he became critically injured in a car accident during his junior year. This very serious brain injury required much determination and hard work, which he very diligently put in and he proudly graduated from Camden-Rockport in 1996. He would often stop in and visit some of the wonderful medical professionals at Maine Medical Center and New England Rehabilitation Hospital to thank them.

Jon-David went on to become an avid sky diver, ski patroller and instructor. He grew up involved in his father’s drag racing circuit and was considered a vital member of the team at an early age. He later became a professional truck driver and will be sadly missed by his co-workers at Performance Food Group.

Of all the accomplishments he achieved, he was most proud of his role as a husband and father. Jon-David was deeply loved by many, and he will be sadly missed by his loving family, many friends and his four-legged partner “Summer” (Happy Dog 213).

We are proud to say we knew him and loved him. He will certainly be watching over us. Good night, Sweet.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, August 14, from 4 - 6 p.m., at Riposta Funeral Home, 182 Waldo Avenue, Belfast.

A graveside service will follow on Saturday, at 10 a.m., at Pine Grove Cemetery in Appleton.

Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Jon-David T. Gleason Children’s Educational Fund, Camden National Bank, 52 Burkett Road, Union, ME 04862.

Memories and condolences may be offered to the family at ripostafh.com

Memories and condolences may be offered to the family at ripostafh.com