Obituary of Michael G. Glaser

Michael Glaser,55, of Pittsburg CA, died at his home on Wednesday Nov. 28th, 2012. Michael was born to Bernard and Harriet Glaser on February 7, 1957 in Trenton, NJ and grew up in Levittown and Newtown, PA. Michael attended Council Rock High School and graduated from the University of Arizona, majoring in Religious Studies. He then earned a Masters in Education from Princeton Theological Seminary. In 2011, Michael was awarded an EdD from the University of San Francisco. Michael was a beloved English teacher at Ygnacio Valley High School, where he taught for the past 10 years. “Michael was a brilliant teacher with an insatiable curiosity about life,” said fellow teacher Todd Bauleke. “His ability to prepare students for college is legendary” said Jason Haley, teacher at YVHS. Michael’s students describe his teaching as inspirational. And, they enjoyed his dry sense of humor. “Mr. Glaser’s perspective was unique, his advice invaluable, and his patience, tolerance and willingness to help seemed boundless” said Graham Koenig, a student at YVHS. Michael had an avid interest in Japanese culture. He was fluent in Japanese and spent several years teaching English in Osaka, where he met his loving wife Yoko Oda. Michael was known for his deep long-lasting friendships. He enjoyed poetry, blue grass music, coin collecting, and jewelry making. “Michael was by far, one of the brightest students I have ever worked with in my 36 years of teaching at the University of San Francisco,” said Dr. Mitchell, Michael’s thesis advisor. “His tenacity allowed him to achieve top rankings in all his endeavors. Michael's passing is a tremendous loss to our educational community.” Son of the late, Bernard Glaser, he is survived by his wife, Yoko Oda, his mother, Harriet Treiber Glaser of Walnut Creek, CA, and brothers David Glaser of Berkeley, CA, and Charles Glaser of Washington D.C., and their families. His funeral services will be held on Sunday December 16th, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Poulson & Van Hise Funeral Directors, 650 Lawrence Road, Lawrenceville. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery, Hamilton.