Obituary of Robert J. Glidden

Robert J. Glidden, age 84, of Staten Island, New York, passed away on October 19, 2024. He was the beloved husband of Margarita Glidden and a devoted father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Born on January 18, 1940, in Queens, New York, Robert was the son of Isabel Alecia and Floyd McFarland Glidden. After completing high school, he embarked on a distinguished career with the New York City Transit Authority, where he dedicated 38 years of public service. Following his retirement, he served as a consultant with Local Three for an additional 15 years.

In 1964, Robert met the love of his life, Margarita, through mutual friends at a social gathering. They married in 1965 and raised three children: Anisa, Ariana, and Robert. Their 59-year marriage exemplified commitment and love, serving as a model for their family.

Robert was a proud father and an adoring grandfather to six grandchildren—Robert, Cortlyn, Julia, Caylee, Christopher, and Alexis—and he cherished his role as great-grandfather to Jaxson. He was also a devoted uncle to his nieces and nephew.

Bob was known to all as a dedicated worker, who treated his work family as if they were his own. Bob was quick-witted and able to make others laugh. People enjoyed being around him and he was often known as the life of the party.

To Bob, family was always the most important thing in life.  He was tremendously proud of his children and their accomplishments. Bob loved to travel, and his best travel experiences were surrounded by friends and family. He treasured the extended family vacations, taken over the years, and was his happiest when he was able to see the entire family bonding and enjoying time together. He enthralled his grandchildren with hilarious stories of a life that early on was marked by many challenges but his drive to overcome them, his will to succeed and ability to find humor in life, made them appreciate him even more.

He is preceded in death by his sister, Anna Marie, and his twin brother, Richard. He is survived by his loving wife, Margarita; his children and their spouses, Anisa Roberts (Cory), Ariana Roddini (Marty), and Robert Glidden (Jennifer); his grandchildren; and his great-grandson.

Visitation will be held on October 23, 2024, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, with a service to follow from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Matthew Funeral Home, located at 2508 Victory Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10314.