Joseph Francis Glacken's Obituary
Glacken, Joseph Francis, 96, died peacefully at home with family on August 26, 2017 following an extended illness.
Born in Freeport, New York, he graduated from Freeport High School in 1939 with honors. He was a star athlete making his mark as a varsity baseball player and varsity basketball captain. Joseph was a 1947 graduate of Syracuse University, earning a degree in Business Administration and Education. He was a member of Theta Chi fraternity. He was a varsity basketball and baseball player at Syracuse. During his college years, he entered the Army in 1943 and rose to the rank of First Lieutenant. Upon completion of his Master’s Degree, he went on to teach Business Education in the Rockland County School District of New York.
Later he was employed by the Freeport School District, first as a teacher and basketball coach. He advanced to the position of Chief Financial Officer of the School District. He served in that capacity for thirty years.
Joseph married the love of his life, Audrey Bernichon Speno and enjoyed 37 years happily married. They resided in Boynton Beach, Florida where they took great pleasure as members of Pine Tree Golf Club where Joseph served as honorary president from 1990-91. They were devout Catholics and longtime parishioners of St. Thomas More Catholic Church.
Their busy social life included many dear friends and the excitement of Joseph’s ownership of harness race horses. He was a loyal NY Mets fan. They were blessed with family and Joseph lived to see his great-grandchild.
Joseph is survived by his step-children: Edward James Speno, Jr., Sarah Rose Speno, Thomas Robert Speno and Amy Lou Speno Geraci; niece, Joan Glacken Walton; six grandchildren: Richard Speno, Audrey Ann Geraci, Lauren Speno Cesarone, Edward James Speno II, Thomas Speno and Edward Chevalier Speno; three great-grandchildren: James Brody Speno, Sophie Lee Speno and Drake Speno and great-granddaughter Emilia Ann Cesarone. He was pre-deceased by his parents, William and Joanna Glacken and two brothers, William Glacken and Edward Glacken.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to support the caring work of Hospice through the Trustbridge Foundation. (Call 877-494-6890- www.hpbcf.org/donation) Friends may call on Thursday, August 31, 2017 from 10:00-11:00 with a Chapel Service to begin at 11:00 am at Palm Beach Memorial Park Funeral Home, 3691 Seacrest Blvd., Lantana, FL 33462.
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