Obituary of Robert Raymond Gleason, Jr.

Robert Gleason, 86, of Farmingdale passed away on Friday, October 1, 2021 at Monmouth Medical Center, Long Branch.  He was born in Elizabeth grew up in Union.  He proudly served in the United States Air Force and after marriage moved to Parsippany to raise his family.  Bob and his wife, Carol, moved to Howell in 1971 to open Bicycle World.  In 1981 Bob and his employees decided to use the rear excess highway acreage to construct a BMX track for the local boys who were interested in the new California racing.  Central Jersey BMX became one of the top tracks in the country hosting its share of state and national races.  Bob and Carol retired from the business in 1998 leaving Bob time to pursue his interest in antique auto restoration.  They purchased and renovated the former home of Dr. Schauer on Main Street moving there three years ago. Bob had a gentle personality and an extremely contagious infectious laugh.  He was not only kind to others but was a wonderful husband and loving father who could always be found with a smile on his face.

Bob was predeceased by his daughter, Kelly Gleason and sister, Nancy Gibbs.  He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Carol Gleason of Farmingdale; sons, Troy Gleason and his wife, Natasha of East Brunswick and Todd Gleason and his wife, Uche of Farmingdale; daughter-in-law, Leslie Gleason of Farmingdale; grandchildren, Dakota Gleason, Kyle Gleason, Alycia Gleason, Alec Gleason, Gilbert Gleason, Sawyer Gleason, and Jesse Nawjei; and great grandson, Aiden Gleason; and sister, June Donnelly of Florida.

A visitation will be held at the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, 100 Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524), Freehold Township on Friday, October 8, 2021 from 4:00 to 7:30 PM with his funeral service to follow at 7:30 PM. Interment will be private.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Bob’s name may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN  38105 or Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607 or Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, New York 10306, or Disabled Veterans National Foundation, 4601 Forbes Blvd. – Suite #130, Lanham, MD 20706. For information, directions, or to leave condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.