Christopher Michael Gleason

Age 42, of Elmira, NY, passed away very unexpectedly on Thursday, September 25, 2025. Chris, as he was affectionately known, was born on March 16, 1983, in Elmira, the son of Wilford Merrill and Rita (Cratsley) Gleason. He was preceded in death by his father, Merrill; brothers, Harold Gleason and Merrill Gleason Jr.; his aunt, Linda Bishop; and his maternal grandparents, Hazel and Ed Cratsley; paternal grandparents, Lester Freeman and Cynthia Lees; great grandparents, Robert and Louise Edminster; aunts, Dorothy Collins, Betty Smith, Mable (Ed) Johnson; uncle, Lester Gleason; Those left to cherish his memory include his mother, Rita Gleason; siblings Sharon Kies, Bonnie Jean (Larry) Patterson, April Kelley, James Gleason, Willie Gleason, and Daniel (Olga) Knapp; his six daughters; aunt, Nellie Smith; uncle, Donald Cratsley; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends. Chris will be remembered not only for those he loved, but for the way he lived: with a reckless joy and a mischievous grin. He made life an adventure — throwing snowballs at cars and running like hell when they stopped, clipping lizards to his ears as earrings, and riding bikes through Florida downpours until he was soaked and breathless with laughter. He was daring, stubborn, a little wild, and endlessly alive. Life was not always kind to him, but Chris's heart was big and his love ran deep. He carried a spark that will never fade, living on through his family and the countless memories he left behind. Though his time here was far too short, those who knew him will forever remember the fun, the mischief, and the love that defined him. Chris will be laid to rest in the Mecklenburg Union Cemetery and the convenience of his family.