Bill Gleason, 88, of Honolulu, passed away December 22, 2020. Born February 23, 1932 in Chicago to Sarah (Ryan) & William Joseph Gleason, Bill spent two years in the Army stationed in Japan from 1952-1954 then went on to graduate from University of San Francisco in 1957 with a degree in marketing. Bill came to Hawaii June 1, 1959 to open a Group Insurance office for New York Life Ins. Co. with a plan to stay in Hawaii for only two years, which turned into the next 61 years. He became President of Johnson & Higgins in Hawaii from 1967 to 1987. After retiring from J&H he established Gleason & Associates, an insurance brokerage co. Over the years Bill gave generously of his time, talents and treasures. He embraced our community in business, civic, and philanthropic ways. He served on the board of Chamber of Commerce; President of Kiwanis Club; President of Honolulu Rotary Club. He was the longest serving board member of Blood Bank of Hawaii and donated 110 pints of blood. Bill was recognized as the Outstanding Philanthropist by Assets Schools where he served on the board for 19 years. He was also a Lifetime Member of the Japanese- American Society, and a former member & officer of Chaine des Rotisseurs. Bill enjoyed sailing, traveling and golf. He was a member of Waialae Country Club since 1968 where he served on its board and became a Golden Senior after 50+ years. He was also a member of The Pacific Club for almost 50 years and a member of its board. He donated to many charities as well as his church, Mary, Star of the Sea. Bill was renowned for his humor and jokes. He loved life, his friends and our large family. Bill met the love of his life, Sheri, in 1992 and they married in 2003. He called these years the "happiest and fullest" years of his life. He will be greatly missed. Survived by his wife, Sheri; step-daughter, Lisa (Vinnie) Robotti; granddaughter, Alana; and niece, Tracy Hays. Many thanks to the staff of Islands Hospice House for their excellent care in the last days. Donations in his memory may be sent to Mary, Star of the Sea Church or Assets Schools, One Ohana Nui Way Honolulu, Hi 96818 Funeral Mass to be held at Mary, Star of the Sea Church. 4470 Allikoa St., Honolulu, 96821 Saturday, January 23, 2021 at 10:30 am Bill will have a private burial. Due to COVID there will be a Celebration of Life at a later.Arrangements Provided By:
Diamond Head Mortuary Chapel
