Obituary: Stephen "Steve" Michael Gleason

Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory​.

Stephen "Steve" Michael Gleason

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Stephen "Steve" Michael Gleason, age 70, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 26, 2026, surrounded by those who loved him, at Saint Joseph Medical Center. Steve proudly hailed from Counties Tipperary/Kilkenny, Ireland, a place that held a permanent piece of his heart and spirit throughout his life. He was born April 10, 1956, a lifelong resident of Joliet, Illinois until the time of his death.

Steve lived his life with warmth, humor, steady determination, and deep family loyalty. His love for the Emerald Isle, Ireland, encompassed his very being, and everyone who knew him understood this and learned an extensive amount of Irish history, culture, and memories, complete with his Irish sarcasm, humor, and "Dad Jokes." Steve loved to travel to his homeland, Ireland, and attend any and all Irish celebrations including but not limited to the annual Gaelic Park Irish Fests in Oak Forest, IL, America's largest Irish Fests in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and the Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parades, the Southside Chicago St. Patrick's Day parade and St. Patrick's Day Chicago River Dyeing of green. Wherever he was he enjoyed the positive side of life, where his storytelling, wit, and generous nature left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.

Over the years, he attended Joliet Township High School West Campus. Steve was a loyal union worker of the Chicago Painters and Decorators Union Locals 33 and 147. He served as a Journeyman and Forman for the M.J. Fogerty and Associates company for over 30 years, with fireproofing and painting of Chicago Landmarks including but not limited to Chicago's Navy Pier and McCormick Place.

Steve was a devoted father and family man above all else. He is survived by his children, Shawn Michael (Grace) Gleason, Megan Elizabeth Gleason; his pride and joy granddaughter, Mira Grace Gleason; Goddaughter, Katelyn (Christopher) Confer, and their children Aubree and Mason; "Bonus" daughter, Lauren (Cody) Tuider; and "Bonus" sons, Brian Depung, Andrew (Sharon) Tomac, and Cody (Stephani) Suhling. Steve is also survived by his siblings, Dave (Dawn) Gleason, Wayne Gleason, and Susan Gleason; nieces and nephews, Shawn Beth (Adam), Baron, John Gleason, Daniel Gleason, and Mollee Gleason; Great nieces and nephews, Liam Samuel, Brian Thomas, Marlee Mae, Owen Alexander, Benjamin Cole, and Milo Nolan; his numerous cousins, including his beloved cousin, Jackie Muir; lifelong family friends; and lastly, his loyal grand dogs, both which are named Luna.

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Theresa (nee Caron) Gleason; his brothers, Brian (Susan) Gleason and Joseph (Debbie) Gleason; the mother of his children, Linda Jean Gleason; his daughter, Lisa Ann Gleason; and his loyal dogs, Lassie and Zoe, and cats, Tiger and Izzy.

Visitation for Stephen Gleason will be held Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 12:00 p.m., until the time of his funeral service at 2:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black Road, Joliet. Services will be officiated by Apostle Jonathan Hall Sr. and Prophetess Donna Hall of Kingdombread International Church in Lansing, Illinois, with Pastor Carl Wagner of First Church of God in Joliet, Illinois, delivering the eulogy.

Interment in Woodlawn Memorial Park will take place Monday, October 5, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.

For more information, please call (815) 741-5500, or visit his Memorial Tribute at fredcdames.com

In honor of his heritage and memory, Irish or Green attire formal or nonformal may be worn. Megan's Stateville Correctional Center family may also choose to wear their uniforms.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to his children Shawn and/or Megan Gleason.

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