RUSSELL – Theodore R. Gloss, 77, (1945 – 2022) a native of Russell, MA passed away on December 25, 2022. He was born in Springfield, MA and lived in 
Westfield until moving to Russell in 1972. He attended Westfield schools and graduated from Westfield High in 1963. He attended Holyoke Junior College and Westfield State College before joining the 104th Fighter Wing in December 1964, and worked there fulltime for 39 years, retiring in April 2005 as Chief of the Maintenance Operations Flight, with the rank of Chief Master Sergeant with over 40 years of service to his country. Over the years he worked in many areas from supply, fuels, logistics, maintenance analysis, maintenance scheduling, maintenance operations and engine management, training in six Air Force specialty codes. His career saw the unit support, F86, F84, F100, A10 and F15 aircraft. He deployed on numerous occasions with the 104th and other ANG units in support of Air Force operations in support of two-unit overseas deployments to Turkey, the Bosnian and Kosovo campaigns, twice in support of Operation Southern Watch and Operation Iraqi Freedom. In April 2007, he was appointed as Unit Conversion Officer to facilitate the conversion of the 104th FW to the F15C/D aircraft, retiring from that position in March 2009. He was President of the Thunderbolt Council, a non-profit organization formed to support the men and women of the 104th Fighter Wing by providing financial assistance and supporting the Wing in unit sponsored events such as outings, children’s holiday parties and other unit affairs including leading a contingent in Memorial Day Parades. The council also sponsors the Westfield Air shows at the airbase. He served as a coach and President of the Westfield LL North, until moving to Russell. He co-founded the Russell Youth Athletic Association, a forerunner to the Gateway Youth Athletic Association of today. He coached various teams in multiple sports throughout his tenure. He joined the Russell Volunteer Fire Department in 1976, rising to the rank of Captain, and in 1982 was elected to the position of Town Assessor. He served on many town committees to improve the lives of the citizens of Russell. He was an avid ice fisherman and enjoyed fishing the Hilltowns all year round. He enjoyed his small garden and the flowers he would plant around his home.
Theodore is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Teresa L. (Simpson) Gloss, his five loving children: Patrick J. Gloss of Bellingham, Shawna M. Gloss of Westfield, Andrew T. Gloss and his wife Elizabeth of Wilbraham, Jody F. Gloss of Westfield and Renee T. Gloss of Russell, his sisters, Margaret Kelley and her husband Charles of Feeding Hills and Barbara Cardoza of Russell, his cherished grandchildren: Eliza, Hayden and Willem and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
Burial with Military Honors will be held on Tuesday at 10AM in the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main St., Agawam. Visiting hours will be held on Monday from 4-7 PM in the Firtion Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad St., Westfield, MA 01085 and on Tuesday from 8:30-9:30 in the funeral home before the procession to the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Theodore’s name may be directed to www.takemefishing.org
