John “Jack” Gleeson

Captain John “Jack” Gleeson, 72, died peacefully at home on October 2nd in Novato with his loving wife at his side. Jack is survived by his wife of 49 years Maribeth “Betsy” Gleeson (ne Gilmour), their three children Kathleen Doherty (Joe), John Gleeson, Karen Gleeson, nine grandchildren Molly, Mary, Maggie, Haley, Ryan, Tommy, Jack, Joe, Nikki, sister Mary Jo Cooney (ne Gleeson) (Jim) and brother Patrick Gleeson. He is preceded in death by his parents Jack and Mary Gleeson, and brother Dennis Gleeson.

Jack was born on July 19, 1942 in San Rafael. He grew up in San Francisco and attended St. James Grammar School and Sacred Heart High School. He graduated from Balboa High School, after which he served in the United States Navy. Jack and Maribeth started their married life in Daly City, purchased their first home in Pacifica and settled in Novato to raise their family. Jack spent 30 years with the San Francisco Police Department. During his career he held the ranks of Patrolman, Sergeant, Inspector, Lieutenant, and retired in 1999 as Captain. Jack received three medals of valor and was certified by the National FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. After retiring from the San Francisco Police Department, Jack worked in private security for several years.

Jack loved spending time with his family and vacationing at his home in Clear Lake. Jack also had a passion for exercise, cars, boats, and was a great fan of the 49ers and Giants. Jack was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Irish Cultural Center of San Francisco, Police Athletic League, Cops for Christ and was active in Our Lady of Loretto Catholic Church, helping to plan the liturgy as a Eucharistic Minister. Jack touched many lives and will be greatly missed. He was a kind, gentle, fun-loving man whose joyful attitude was contagious.

The family would like to thank Nedra Abers, Josh Waqabaca and Hospice by the Bay, the staff at Kaiser Hospital and Dr. David Conant. We are especially grateful to Mary and Maggie Koreen, whose constant devotion and love for their grandfather was an inspiration to all. A funeral mass will be held on October 22nd, 10:30am at Our Lady of Loretto Catholic Church in Novato. Private interment to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Parkinson Foundation.

Arrangements entrusted to Keaton’s Redwood Chapel of Marin.