Kenneth E. Gleason

Kenneth E. Gleason, Jr., 78, of Black River, NY, passed away unexpectedly on June 15, 2024, at his home in Black River, where he had resided since 1978. 

Known to most as Ken, he was born on December 1, 1945, to Kenneth and Gladys (Forton) Gleason in Gouverneur, New York. He graduated from Carthage Central High School in 1964.   Following high school, Ken started his own business, KEG Masonry, in Black River, NY.

On December 26, 1993, Ken married Cynthia Cherry at the Church of the Christ Disciples in Felts Mills. They spent 46 loving years together in Black River. 

Ken had an entrepreneurial mindset and was never afraid to try something new. Together, he and Cynthia dedicated their lives to running several successful businesses, including Gleason’s Mobile Home Park, Gleason’s Septic Service, and Gleason’s Gate II Motel. 

Winston Churchill once said “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”  Although Ken was a respected businessman, he was also a very generous man. Ken had an impact on many lives in his community and was always willing to lend a hand, give someone a break, or help someone get ahead in life. He joined the Felts Mills Fire Department in 1979 and served as Fire Commissioner from 1984 to 2009.   In 2009, he continued his public service when he became a councilman of the Town of Rutland.

When Ken wasn’t working or volunteering, he enjoyed deer hunting in the fall. Throughout the years he spent many weekends with his family at Lake Bonaparte and Trout Lake, always happy to take his family out for a boat ride. Ken knew how to crack a joke at just the right time.  He lived a fulfilling life surrounded by friends wherever he went. 

Ken is survived by his loving wife, Cynthia “Crickitt” Gleason, and four children Dawn Stephenson, Kevin Gleason, Kenneth (Tyrien) Gleason III, and Sarah St. Laurent all residing in Black River.  He was a loving grandfather to five grandchildren: Kevin (Jessie) Gleason II, Kenneth Gleason IV, Brittany (Travis) Thomas, Grayson St. Laurent, and Griffin St. Laurent.  He is also survived by six great grandchildren.

Ken was a father figure to many, including Greg Snyder (Evans Mills) whom he loved and care for as his own.

Ken was predeceased by his parents and three siblings: Albert Gleason, Gail Whitaker, and Doreen Porter.

Calling hours will be held Noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 23rd at the Bruce Funeral Home, Black River.  The funeral service will immediately follow at 3 p.m. at the funeral home.  

The burial will be held at the convenience of the family in Felts Mills Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers donations in Ken's memory may be made to the Felts Mills Fire Department.

Online condolences may be left at www.brucefh.com.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.