To the Editor:

Our family and Newtown were saddened to learn last week of the passing of Lee Glover. Lee was our friend and long time neighbor. His dry humor and persistent optimism made people smile. Lee was the realtor who sold us our house on Main Street. Lee and I negotiated for three months over $2,500. Shortly after we moved in I saw him next door. “Are you selling that house, too?” I asked. “No I live here,” said Lee. “Wait, you negotiated for three months over $2,500, knowing I was going to be your neighbor?” “That’s why I liked you,” smiled Lee. True Yankee spirit.

Lee was the one who introduced me to Newtown politics. He was a long time member of the Borough Board of Burgesses. He didn’t care about political parties, and a year after we moved in he asked if I wanted to come to a Board of Burgesses meeting, as there was an opening. I passed the test.

Lee was also the long time Fire Chief of Hook & Ladder. When he retired he gave his pre-chief helmet to my oldest son, Jimmy. It’s still hanging on the wall in his room. Lee’s magnanimous gesture inspired Jimmy to become a firefighter with Hook & Ladder until he moved to New York.

All over Newtown there are similar stories about Lee Glover. If I close my eyes I can still see him on Saturday afternoons sitting on his Main Street front yard bench smoking a cigar.

Again, our heartfelt condolences go out to all the Glovers, Cricks, and all family members. Last week we all lost a piece of Newtown; we were all so lucky to know him, and be his friend.

Peace be with you, our friend.

Sincerely,

Jim Gaston & Family

18 Main Street, Newtown November 9, 2020