Our History

The Gleason Funeral Home, in Schenectady, NY, was established in 1898 by Thomas M. Gleason. The business was located on Jay Street, in what was known as the Gleason Building, opposite City Hall. For a time, in the 1930s, the business was known as Gleason & Bernardi. After Thomas M. Gleason’s death in 1944, his nephew Thomas E. Gleason, also a licensed funeral director, who had worked with his uncle, purchased the business. In 1953 he moved the business and his family to its current location, 730 Union Street. In 1976 his son James received his funeral director’s license and began working with his father.

After the death of Thomas E., in 1986, Jim took over management of the business and continues in that role today.



Thomas M. Gleason, Jim’s brother, also a licensed funeral director, joined the business in 1998.