Elwin Basil Gleason, 84, of Vernon and formerly of Tolland, passed away on Saturday, November 16th , 2013. He was born August 2nd , 1929 in Brewer, ME., son of the late Rev. Basil Gleason and Laura Cussack. He grew up in the First Congregational Church of Brewer, ME., where he graduated from Brewer High school in 1947, attended the Bangor Theological Seminary and was a member of the 385th Infantry Regiment reserves. They moved to CT. in 1953 to begin a new life and career with United Aircraft Corp.; Elwin retired from UTC- Power Systems engineering after 38 years in 1992. Besides Aerospace his passion was Amateur radio and Genealogy. After 50 years of research he authored the Gleason family history which was published by Higginson Books and preserved in the national archives. He was active with Ham radio and held the call sign “ W1JZC” since high school. He was a resident of Tolland for 46 years before moving to Vernon. He was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Martha Gleason and survived by his son Daniel Gleason and his wife Monica of Union and his daughter Mary Jenkins of Vernon, five grandchildren Matthew Jenkins of Ellington, Roxanne Jenkins of Norwalk, Scott Gleason, Michelle Gleason, and Brian Gleason all of Union. All services will be private and held at the convenience of the family. For online condolences please visit: www.pietrasfuneralhome.com