Paul Gleason Obituary

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Most Worshipful Brother Paul D. Gleason, a nearly 30-year Mason and Past Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Washington, DC to the Celestial Lodge above on December 25, 2025.
Most Worshipful Brother Gleason was born in Webster, Massachusetts, in July 1936. A valedictorian of his high school class, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree cum laude from the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts, and in May 1962 received his Doctor of Medicine degree from Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, DC. Following his internship at St. Vincent's Hospital in Worcester, Massachusetts, he received a commission in the United States Air Force as a General Medical Officer.
Over the course of a distinguished 29-year military career, Most Worshipful Brother Gleason completed a four-year residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology, became a Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and a Diplomate of the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology. He attended Flight Surgeon School and was rated as a Senior Flight Surgeon. During this period, he commanded medical activities at every level, from small clinics to major medical centers.
In December 1985, he was nominated for and subsequently confirmed by the United States Senate to the rank of Brigadier General. He served as Command Surgeon for United States Air Forces in Europe for four years and concluded his military service as Director of Air Force Medical Operations in Washington, DC. His military decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Bronze Star, and the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster. In 2003, he retired from his second career as Medical Director of the Armed Forces Retirement Home, Washington, DC.
Most Worshipful Brother Gleason was initiated an Entered Apprentice Mason in Petworth Lodge No. 47 on July 8, 1996; passed to the Degree of Fellowcraft on August 12, 1996; and raised to the Sublime Degree of Master Mason on October 3, 1996. Over the years, he served as Master, Treasurer, and Trustee of Petworth Lodge, and he was elected that Lodge's Fidelity Medal holder in 2015. He was also a founding member of Freedom Military Lodge No. 1775 and an Honorary Member of Phoenix Lodge No. 1001 and Jerusalem Lodge No. 3000.
He was appointed Grand Marshal of the Grand Lodge of Washington, DC in 2002 and was elected to the progressive line the following year. He was subsequently elected to serve in the Grand East on October 24, 2009, being installed on December 12, 2009. In 2012 he was elected and served as Grand Treasurer for two years before retiring emeritus. He was also a member and held various leadership positions over the years in the Shrine, Scottish Rite, York Rite and several invitational Bodies.
Most Worshipful Brother Gleason was tireless in his service to his Lodge, the Grand Lodge, Appendant Bodies, and all those around him. His life exemplified leadership, devotion, and a profound commitment to both his country and the Craft.
Services will be held on Wednesday, January 14 at Murphy's Funeral Home in Falls Church, VA. There will be a viewing beginning at 10 a.m. followed by a service (around 1 p.m.).