WEST KINGSTON, RI – John D. Glasheen ’55 died on January 2. John’s life was shaped by the times in which he lived, his friends and family, and some of the most critical struggles of our times, such as ending the Vietnam War and promoting civil rights and marriage equality. He was a scholarship student at Deerfield Academy and the son of Marion (Dougherty) Glasheen ’18. Throughout his life, John was influenced by thinkers such as Frank Boyden, Deerfield’s legendary headmaster, and many progressive politicians. A lifelong political activist and lover of live music, John had a rich and varied career. After graduating from Brown University, he was a high school social studies teacher and a textbook editor. He earned a Master’s Degree from the University of Massachusetts and was ABD from the Harvard University School of Education. After teaching in Brown’s education department, John was a social service administrator and political campaigner, ending his career as executive director of Rhode Island’s South County Community Action Program. In retirement he was often at the Rhode Island state house with his fellow Unitarian Universalists, promoting social justice issues. He is survived by his wife Susan Strakosch, his children Leah, John (Jiva) and Megan, five grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Susan Strakosch AW’55
