NORTHAMPTON - Anthony “Tony” Francis Gleason Sr., a longtime Northampton resident and businessman, passed away on June 13, 2026, in Estero, FL, surrounded by the love of his family. Born to Helen Clair (Feeney) Gleason and Patrick Donald Gleason, Tony was known for his devotion to his family, his community, and the businesses he led for decades. Tony often reflected on how fortunate he was to have been raised into a hardworking, fun-loving and respectful family. He enjoyed an incredible childhood, traveling with family to once-in-a-lifetime destinations, while camping and creating memories that lasted a lifetime. He cherished growing up on Prospect Avenue and in the surrounding Northampton neighborhoods. Tony felt blessed to have come of age during the 1960s and 1970s, when the city of Northampton was experiencing a renaissance. 

      In 1981, Tony met the love of his life, MaryAnn Lionetti, during spring break in Fort Lauderdale, FL. He often said that he knew the night they met that MaryAnn was "the one." They were married in June 1983. Together, Tony and MaryAnn welcomed three children: Anthony in 1986, Patrick in 1987 and Maureen in 1988. Tony was happiest when his family was together. Whether wrestling with the kids on the living room floor, gathering for holidays, or traveling, family was always at the center of his life. 

      His love for family was also reflected in his dedication to the "family business." Tony started working at Don Gleason's Campers Supply in elementary school and continued through his formative years. On his eighteenth birthday, Tony walked about fifty feet from Don Gleason's Camper Supply to Gleason Bros., Inc. and began his career as a mover, warehouseman, and machinery rigger trainee. The work came naturally to him, and he steadily advanced through the ranks while learning every aspect of the business. Working alongside his father and many dedicated Gleason Bros. associates, Tony earned a reputation for hard work, fairness, and leadership. In 1986, Tony became the third-generation owner and president of Gleason Bros., Inc., while his father became chairman emeritus after retiring full-time to Florida. 

      In 1996, Tony made the difficult but courageous decision to profoundly shift the future trajectory of Gleason Bros., Inc. After operating for ninety-four years as a nationwide moving, rigging and storage business, Tony elected to cease operations in favor of renovating the warehouses on Pearl Street into premier commercial office and retail space. In the decades that followed, Tony and MaryAnn built a steadfast tenant-base and real estate portfolio throughout the Pioneer Valley. Tony’s vision built the foundation for current and future operations of the Gleason family business and legacy. 

Tony will be remembered as a man who loved his family, his country and his hometown of Northampton. He was a friend to many, a listener who believed in hearing both sides of every story and a person who genuinely cared about others. Above all, he was a loyal husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. 

      A devoted Catholic, Tony lived his life rooted in faith, trusting God's guidance through both joyful and challenging times. Tony was a communicant of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Northampton and Our Lady of Light Parish in Estero, FL.

      Tony leaves behind his beloved wife of forty-two years, MaryAnn; his children, Anthony Francis Gleason II and his wife Jennifer Gleason (Conz) of Northampton; Patrick Donald Gleason II and his wife Christina Gleason (Janiero) of Rockfall, CT; and Maureen Chase (Gleason) and her husband Corey Chase of Cape Coral, FL; together with his cherished granddaughters, Catarina, Josefina, Marion and Quinn. 

      He is also survived by his siblings, Patrick "Terry" and partner Patricia Stevens of Hubbard, OH; John and Geraldine of Northampton, Daniel and Alison of Northampton, his sister, Gwendolyn of Naples, FL; along with his brother-in-law, William Lionetti of Holyoke, MA; his sisters-in-law, Roberta Lionetti of Tampa, FL, and Regina Gleason of Longmont, CO, as well as nineteen nieces and nephews; many great-nieces and great-nephews and his treasured “grand dogs.” 

     Tony was predeceased by his parents, Patrick Donald and Helen Gleason; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Norman and Alice (Spano) Lionetti; his brother-in-law, Lieutenant General Donald M. Lionetti, U.S. Army (Ret.); his grandson, Anthony Francis Gleason III "Tripp" and many beloved members of both the Gleason and Lionetti families.

             Calling hours will be held on Friday, June 19th from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the AHEARN FUNERAL HOME, 783 Bridge Road in Northampton. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, June 20th, at 10:00 AM at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Chapel (Annunciation Church), 85 Beacon Street, Florence, Massachusetts. A private burial service will be held at a later date at the discretion of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School, c/o the Patrick D. Gleason II Scholarship Trust.