Obituary of Arthur J. Gleason

Albany – Arthur J. Gleason, 69, of Spring Street, Albany and formerly of Cohoes died at St. Mary’s Hospital, Troy on Wednesday, November 7, 2012 after a long illness. He was born in Malone, N.Y. and was the son of the late Isabelle Stone and Al Mastren. Art’s commitment to serving others began early when he joined the United States Marine Corps. He served from 1959 to 1963. Art joined the Loyal Order of Moose Cohoes Lodge #1332 in 1972. Art fulfilled the position of Governor for the Cohoes Lodge twelve times, serving his first term in 1976. He began the Cohoes High Band Booster Club in 1985. He was the founder of the Lady Tigers Booster Club and helped to oversee the program until 1992. From 1992-1994 he served on the Cohoes Board of Education during that time in 1993 the Cohoes SADD Chapter recognized him for his hard work on bringing drug free school zones to the City of Cohoes. Because of Art’s commitment to the City of Cohoes he was appointed by the Mayor to serve on the Board of Directors of the Cohoes Community Action Program and the Board of Directors for Albany County Opportunity, Inc. Both of these positions he filled for over 25 years. Art was also a member of Kiwanis International where he served as President from 1991-1992, was elected to Lieutenant Governor of the Capital Region for 1992-1993 and worked as New York State Governor’s Assistant from 1994-1995. His commitment to the Loyal Order of the Moose continued for a life time. On May 29, 2004, Art’s name was entered into the Crypt at Mooseheart in the House of God and he was honored with the Pilgrim Degree of Merit. He continued to serve by fulfilling the roll as New York State President for Loyal Order of the Moose 2011-2012. He is survived by his loving companion Cherie Devall of Albany, his loving daughters, Heidi Gleason of Nassau and Rebecca Gleason of Rexford, his niece Joann Gleason and his great nephews, Devonte and Jordan Gleason all of Watervliet. Father of Debbie Kellogg of Troy, also survived by many relatives and friends who will miss him. He was predeceased by his brothers, Billy and Donald Gleason. Funeral Monday 10:00am at the Cathedral of All Saints, Swan Street, Albany where a Funeral Mass will be offered. Relatives and friends may call at the DUFRESNE FUNERAL HOME, Inc., 216 Columbia Street, Cohoes on Sunday from 2 to 6pm. Those who wish to remember Art in a special way may make a donation to the Mohawk and Hudson River Humane Society, Menands, N.Y.