Obituary of Jeffrey M. Glasser

Jeffrey M. Glasser, 59, passed away on Saturday March 31st, at home in Forest Hills. He fought a courageous and honorable fight with colon cancer for nearly 7 years – never missing a moment to laugh along the way. Born to Herbert and Charlotte Glasser in the Bronx, the family shortly moved to Queens where Jeff would remain for the rest of his life. He is survived by his dear wife, Anna; loving children Nicole and Michael; and respected brother Paul.

A 1980 graduate of Pace University with a B.B.A in Accounting, Jeff spent his entire professional life building meaningful relationships with clients. He maintained a C.P.A. membership from 1998 until his death, and was aiding clients until his last days. Many clients viewed him as a close friend – someone who happened to also do their taxes.

At Pace, Jeff met the love of his life, Anna. After a long friendship they decided to begin dating and were engaged within a year. They were married in 1982 and loved each other fiercely for the next 36 years, despite the turbulent hand they were dealt. Through the storm they were each other’s rocks, and their devotion inspired everyone who knew them. When asked how their relationship survived working together at home for over 20 years Jeff simply replied, “Anna is my best friend.” She will miss him dearly and love him endlessly.

Jeff loved his children with incredible vigor. He made every school play, practice, game, and graduation. He pushed them toward success with gentle, persistent force -- always telling them to “keep their eyes on the prize.” Jeff was proud beyond words, though that never stopped him from speaking their praise to others. He gave his love effusively, a love that will be felt for as long as they live.

Despite a large private practice, Jeff gave back endlessly to his community. He spent over 25 years on the board of The Normandy, the last 15 as president of the Co-Op. While Nicole and Michael were in elementary and middle school, Jeff took an active role in the PTA, winning awards for dedication from P.S. 196 and proudly standing with the Teachers’ Union to resist a harmful restructuring of J.H.S. 157. When Michael began Little League Baseball, Jeff decided to help coach his teams. Within a few years he was a board member for the Forest Hills Youth Activities Association, serving as president of the Little League for a time. Jeff cherished his days at the fields on Fleet Street and loved the hours he spent in dugouts throughout the Tri-State area. Somewhere, Jeff also found time to serve as a Cub Scout Leader, earning an award for that as well. He performed this incredible volume of service with complete humility and with no diminution of dedication and love to his family and friends.

Jeff was a proud New Yorker and Billy Joel aficionado. He loved his Rangers and Mets, and was always happy to show that love by screaming at the TV whether win or loss. He was a truly special person who touched countless lives with his laugh, smile, and quick wit. Even during his long illness his first concern was always the comfort of his family and friends. His humor never escaped him, and we are blessed with only warm memories. We will miss a lot of things, but above all we'll miss your embrace of love. Anyone who met Jeff knew the way he could light up a room, something we loved him dearly for and will miss every day.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance in Jeff’s honor: https://fundraise.ccalliance.org/blue-star-tributes/JeffreyGlasser