Barbara Russell Gleason

Barbara Russell Gleason, Scranton, passed away peacefully late Saturday night in the Allied Services Hospice Center Wilkes Barre after an illness.  She was the widow of Robert Gleason who passed away in 1973.

Born 1935 in the Bronx, New York, she was the daughter of the late Michael J. and Julia Hadzima Russell.  She attended school in the Bronx and upon graduation went to work for the US Army Chemical Corps in New York City.  In 1961 she moved to Scranton and was hired as a secretary and sales associate for WDAU TV.  She joined the Immaculate Conception Church Parish Community after relocating to Scranton and served as the chairperson of the Junior Catholic Daughters of the parish from 1962-1972.  Barbara always found great value in education, she earned an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration for Lackawanna Junior College in 1978, a bachelor of Science Degree for the University of Scranton in Management in 1982, and finally a Masters of Science Degree in Administration, leadership and Supervision from the University of Scranton in 1994.   She was a proud inductee into the Alpha Sigma Nu National Jesuit Honor Society in 1993.  In 1982 Barbara began her long and rewarding working career at the University of Scranton as the Assistant to the Dean of the School of Management.  In 1988 she was appointed as the Director of the Kania School of Management Academic Advising Center and finally in 1995 she was promoted to Assistant Dean of the school of Management in 1995.  She was inducted into the Pro Deo Et Universitate at the University of Scranton in 2002 commemorating her 20 years of service to the University and its Students.  In 2000 Barbara was named Woman of the Year by the Scranton Business and Professional Women’s Society.

Surviving are her beloved son Michael Gleason of Scranton; many students and faculty at the University of Scranton who were blessed to have studied under and worked with her.

She was also preceded in death by her brother Robert Russell in 1985.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10am in the Immaculate Conception Church 801 Taylor Ave Scranton by Rev. Patrick McLaughlin, pastor.

Friends may call Friday morning at the church from 9am until the time of Mass at the church.

Interment, Monday, December 13^th at 11am in the Long Island National Cemetery 2040 Wellwood Ave. Farmingdale, NY 11735.

In lieu of flowers Michael encourages donations be made in his mom’s honor to the Griffin Pond Animal Shelter 967 Griffin Pond Rd. South Abington Twp. PA 18411.

To share a memory or to express your condolences to the family please visit www.vanstonandjames.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to and are under the care and direction of the Vanston and James Funeral Home, Scranton.