Born: Dec. 29, 1945

Died: Dec. 23, 2012

Christ Richard Thomas Gleason, 66, of Niles, passed away at Lakeland Hospital in Niles on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012.

Christ was born on Dec. 29, 1945 to Donald and Mary (Koenig) Gleason in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Christ graduated from Niles High School in 1964 and immediately joined the United States Marine Corp.  After five years Christ left the marines and began working for National Standard.  After 38 years of dedicated service he retired in 2007.  Christ was also a past member of the American Legion and a longtime member of the Niles Moose Lodge No. 978.

Christ is preceded in death by his father Donald Francis Gleason and daughter Jaclyn Gleason.

He is survived by his mother Mary Catherine Gleason of Niles, children Christine (Joe) Riddle of Lakeville, Ind., Patricia Gleason of Niles and Bryon Gleason of Niles, grandchildren Dylan Gleason, Rachel Riddle, Michael Riddle, Dustin Whitehead and Ryan Riddle, longtime special friend Marilyn White of Niles and brother Donald (Debbie) Gleason Jr. of S.C.

In keeping with Christ’s wishes cremation has taken place and the family will be hosting a memorial service at a later date.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in Christ’s name may do so to the Gleason family, in care of Patti Gleason at 521 East Main Street, Niles, MI 49120.

Condolences for Christ’s family may be left on our website at www.BrownFuneralHomeNiles.com or on our Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/BrownFuneralHomeNiles.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home.