Hornell, NY / Clifton Park, NY
Lawrence J. “Larry” Gleason, 87, of Clifton Park, NY died Friday, December 26, 2025, surrounded by his loving family following a long illness.
Born in Hornell, NY on July 26, 1938, he was the son of James V. and Mildred Hyland Gleason of Hornell.
He was a resident of Hornell for most of his life before moving to Canandaigua and Clifton Park. Larry was a graduate of St. Ann’s School and Hornell High School (class of 1956) and later attended Alfred State College. He was a U.S. Army veteran and served in the Army Reserves for six years.
Larry completed a 37-year career with the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), District 6, working as an engineering tech and soils supervisor. During this time, he formed close friendships with several of his coworkers that lasted the rest of his life.
He was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish at St. Ann’s and had been a communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church. Larry was also a member of St. Mary’s Church while living in Canandaigua. He had been a member of the Hornell Knights of Columbus as a 4th Degree Knight; the Hornell Association, and the Canandaigua American Legion.
Larry was an avid hunter and golfer. He especially treasured the times he spent hunting with his son. He played golf most of his adult life and spent many winters in Florida playing golf. One of his greatest joys was boating and fishing on Canandaigua Lake with his family, especially his grandchildren. Tubing with them on ‘Big Mable’ was the highlight of the summer. Larry even rode with them in his early eighties. He was one of the four founders of the Hornell Vince Lombardi Youth Football and Cheerleading, and served as treasurer for several years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his son, Trooper Lawrence P. Gleason; his brother and sister-in-law James and Linda Gleason; two ‘sisters,’ Eileen Gleason Connors and Ann Gleason Smith; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Richard and Carol Stone; brother-in-law John McGregor; and special friends, John Tobin and Bill McMordie.
Larry was married 59 years to Rosemary Stone Gleason who survives. Also surviving are two daughters, Tracy Kneer of Endwell, NY and Shannon (James) Kuhn of Clifton Park, NY; four grandchildren, Lauren Kneer, Patrick Kneer, Larry Kuhn, and Nate Kuhn; sister-in-law Kathleen McGregor; nieces and nephews; special friends, Rich Rauber, Ray and Maddie Capuano, Caryl Ann Gershbash, Audrey and Ralph Blum, and George and Colleen Kenyon.
Larry will be remembered for the legacy he leaves behind of how to be a great son, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He will also be remembered for his keen sense of humor and engaging smile. Being that he was very social, he loved a party. Getting together with family and friends was a significant part of his life.
There will be no calling hours. Family and friends are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday (January 2, 2026) at 11:00 AM at St. Ann’s Church, 27 Erie Avenue, Hornell, NY. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery.
Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.
Larry’s family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his name be made to The Community Hospice, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY, 12866. Donation forms will be available at St. Ann’s Church.
To leave an online condolence or share a memory, visit www.dagonfuneralhome.com.