Richard Frank Gleason passed from this life on September 27, 2021 from complications of the current pandemic. Richard was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on August 2, 1940 to the late Lucile (DuKatz) and James Gleason and moved to San Diego, California as a child. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, the love of his life, Myrna (Winslow) Gleason; his brother Jim Gleason (Jan) of San Diego, CA; his children, Pamela Tillmann-Powell (Mark) of Hampton, Cindy Hamilton (Mark) of Corpus Christi, TX, Gina Gleason of San Diego, CA, Michael Gleason (Dawn) of Bradenton, FL, Monica Gleason of San Diego, CA, David Gleason of Hampton; along with 10 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews; and his extended family, Janet Winslow of Norfolk, MaryAnn Winslow, Georgie (Franco) Lezzi and Garry (Denise) Winslow all of Chesapeake.

He dedicated over 40 years to the service of his country. He started his U.S. Army career after high school where he became a sharpshooter and traveled with the East Coast Rifle Team earning medals for his marksmanship skills. He served one tour of duty during the Korean post-war efforts, two tours of duty during the Vietnam War where he received the Purple Heart and two tours of duty in Germany. His military career brought many challenges but one of his most stressful assignments was instructing youths at summer camp on the proper use and shooting of guns – with live ammunition!

His service to his country didn't end after his honorable discharge. He returned to Civil Service at Ft. Eustis as an instructor of helicopter electronics and electrical schematics. He met the challenge of instructing foreign, limited English speaking students with his adaptive skills – and lots of humor. He took great pride in teaching. It was his creative platform for entertainment while instructing. His students were very successful, and they loved him.

Upon Civil Service retirement, his new adventure was piloting Rein River tour boats at Busch Gardens Williamsburg. Capt. Rich's legendary stories and jokes illuminated his sense of humor. Thousands of visitors were entertained and he made their experience memorable, they loved him.
He has touched many people through his laughter and humor – no one will ever forget "Dog Jaw". Richard is going to be remembered and missed by many, because they loved him.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, October 10, 2021 from 5:00 to 6:30 PM at W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home. Graveside service with Military Honors will be held on Monday, October 18, 2021 at 3:00 PM at the Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery located at 5310 Milners Road, Suffolk.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your local VFW Post (Veterans of Foreign Wars), SPCA or local animal rescue.