Obituary of Fr. Vincent J. Gleeson

Suddenly at his residence, Caleb Village in Chatham, on Wednesday May 11, 2016, Rev. Fr. Vincent Joseph Gleeson at the age of 81 years. Vincent was the eldest son of Marie (Blonde) and Gerald Gleeson. He was predeceased by his brother John in 2009. Fr. Gleeson is survived by his three sisters; Mary Anne (Sam) Roberts, Sr. Eleanor Gleeson O.S.U. and Sr. Karen Gleeson O.S.U. He is also sadly missed by several nieces, nephews, cousins, and great nieces and nephews and by a sister-in-law Jean Gleeson. Fr. Gleeson was ordained May 28, 1960 at St. Peter’s Cathedral Basilica, London, he also served in many parishes in the London Diocese as well as the diocesan mission in Chiclayo, Peru, South America. His ministry began at St. Peter’s Basilica, then the mission in Peru. Upon his return he served in the following parishes; Immaculate Conception Stratford, St. Andrew the Apostle London, St. Michael/St. Joseph Leamington, St. John Vianney Windsor and St. Clare/ St. Alphonsus Winsor. On retirement he was in residence Holy Rosary Windsor, later at St. Simon St. Jude Belle River. He then moved to Caleb Village Retirement Home in Chatham. Throughout his retirement he celebrated mass in several parishes in the diocese. He was very active in Guatemala Hope mission and was a faithful 4th degree member of the Father James Assembly, Knights of Columbus. Friends and relatives may visit at Blessed Sacrament Church, 145 Victoria Ave. Chatham where Fr. Gleeson will lie in state on Sunday May 15, 2016 from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM, where Vigil Prayers and Knights of Columbus prayers will be offered Sunday evening. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday May 16, 2016 at 11:00 AM in Blessed Sacrament Church. Burial will be in St. Patrick’s Church Cemetery, Merlin Ontario. Donations to Guatemala Hope would be appreciated.