Enjoyed gardening, woodworking, reading and music

Published in the January 5, 2018 edition

MEDFORD — Ray E. Gleason, 86, longtime resident of Medford, died peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on Sunday, December 24, 2017. 

Ray was born in Burlington Vermont, one of two sons of the late Burr Roswell and Marion Alice (Germaine ) Gleason. He grew up in Jericho, Vermont, and graduated as Valedictorian in 1950 from Jericho High School. Ray went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from the University of Vermont, his masters from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and his Ph.D from Texas A&M.

While back home on vacation in 1961, Ray met his beloved wife, Martha A. Davies, after being introduced to each other through their best friends. They were married on October 3, 1964 in Hanover, New Hampshire. They soon settled in Medford to raise their family.

Ray was a quiet and stoic man. He was one of the calmest persons one could ever meet. He loved his family dearly and was very active in their lives. He worked as a Biostatistician in medical research, working most recently for MIT. Ray dearly enjoyed his research and working with numbers.

When not spending time with his beloved family or performing his research, Ray enjoyed gardening, woodworking, reading, and had an appreciation for music. He was a fan of classic country music, and appreciated the fiddle. In his earlier life, he enjoyed playing the accordion.

Ray’s deep love for his family, big heart and great strength will be sorely missed by his family and all that knew him.

Ray was the beloved husband of Martha C. (Davies) Gleason with whom he shared 53 years of marriage. Devoted father of Brian Gleason and his wife Elayne of Danville, N.H., Jennifer Szafir and her husband Steven of Medford, Loralee Davis and her husband CDR. Cledo Davis USN of New Hope, Ala., Scott Gleason and his wife Amie of Townsend. Dear brother of Roger Gleason and his wife Patricia of Cambridge, Vt. Cherished grandfather of Destiny, Jestina, Cody, Kyle, Zachary, Johnathan and his wife Samantha, Emma, Hannah, Cledo II, Rebecca, Benjamin, Joshua, Sarah Grace, Elijah, Brody, Jaxon.

Relatives and friends gathered in honor and remembrance of Ray’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main Street, Melrose on Thursday, December 28, and again for his funeral service at Faith Evangelical Church, 200 Franklin St., Melrose on Friday. For complete obituary, guest register, and directions please visit www.robinsonfuneralhome.com.