IN MEMORY OF ANDY GLEESON, PGK, PFN - December 8, 2020

A TRIBUTE TO ANDY GLEESON

by

KEVIN SCALLY

The world is a little colder today. The world is a little bit empty, missing an Irishman, a good man.

2020 can be so cruel. The good Lord has called my friend Andy Gleeson home. As in the Book of Wisdom, 4:14, "for his soul was pleasing to the Lord, therefore he took him quickly from the midst of wickedness."

I became friends with this guy in 2008 though through a tragedy of sorts. We were brothers ever since. Andy was a St. Johns College boy from DC, Calvert Hall College's little brother school since CHC founded in 1845, six years before "his" school. We shared old teachers and similar stories of Catholic School survival - and the appreciation that grew fonder as we grew older (here's one of Andy's favorite movies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIrtQAibsNA). Right now an adorable daughter and three fine sons, a church parish, the Knights of Columbus, the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and so many former co-workers and friends are all missing a major piece of their hearts. Please pray for those kids!

I don't understand.

Perhaps I'm not supposed to understand.

I don't want to accept.

Perhaps I won't accept.

Andy was just that kind of friend; that kind of "brother" we all need.

I guess in an appropriate Irish toast, this is fitting:

"Those we love don't go away,

They walk beside us every day,

Unseen, unheard, but always near,

Still loved, still missed and very dear."

RIP, my friend.

Saint John Baptist de La Salle, pray for us!

Live, Jesus, in our hearts! Forever!