SGT. MAJOR Gary Tim Glaeser USMC, Retired Obituary (2022)

Gary T. Glaeser, Sergeant Major, USMC (Retired), age 72, died peacefully at home in Beaufort, SC on May 2nd, his wife, Dale, by his side where she has been for the past 38 years. In addition to Dale, he is survived by his sister, Carmen. Sergeant Major Glaeser's father was a career pilot in the Air Force and his mother was a true Southern Belle. As one would expect, the family moved to new postings quite often, including overseas. Graduating from high school in Macon, GA, Gary went to college and his parents moved to New Orleans, LA, which Gary identified as home until he and his wife decided to make Beaufort their permanent home. Following one year, Gary quickly decided that college life was not for him, at least not yet, so he joined the Marine Corps and began a successful career that spanned 26 years, including tours with the air wing, security guard battalion, artillery, inspector-instructor duty, and weapons battalion in CONUS, Europe, and Japan. He was an admired and respected leader of Marines by both superiors and subordinates for his professionalism, leadership ability, and sense of humor. It is also noteworthy that he completed his college degree while serving on active duty. During his honorable service to the nation, Gary Glaeser was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. Following his retirement from the Marine Corps, Gary began a very successful career in real estate, which he pursued until several years ago, and which contributed to his many friends and admirers. Without question, the most important thing in Gary's world was the love of his life, his wife Dale, with his other passion, golf, a distant second. While he was not much of a church goer, Gary believed in and exhibited the highest qualities of character, integrity, and behavior in keeping with the Judeo-Christian tradition. To call Gary gregarious would be an understatement, as he never met a stranger when standing in line at a grocery store or in a restaurant or bar. Typically, he would strike up a conversation, put the other party at ease, and regale them with his wit. But the most endearing quality of Gary Glaeser was his remarkable generosity, which he showered on friends and acquaintances alike. We lost an extraordinary individual on May 2nd and he will be sorely missed. Fair winds and following seas, Sergeant Major. Dale would like to thank Friends of Caroline Hospice for the wonderful care they gave to Gary and to all their family, extended family and friends for the tremendous love and support they have provided to her. A military graveside service will be held on Friday, June 10, 2022 at 11am at the Beaufort National Cemetery.