The Rev. Gilbert Preston Glascoe Sr., the assistant pastor of the Leadenhall Baptist Church, a computer analyst and mathematics teacher, died of cancer Dec. 23 at the Northwest Hospital Center. The Woodlawn resident was 71.
Born in Baltimore and raised on Archer Street, he attended Diggs-Johnson School and was a 1956 graduate of George Washington Carver Vocational-Technical High School.
"He was ambitious, even as a young child," said his church secretary, Tanya Dawson of Woodlawn. "He worked at the neighbor grocery store and drug store as a delivery boy."
He earned a bachelor of science in mathematics from what was then called Morgan State College. He later received a degree in church administration from Virginia Theological Seminary and a master of divinity degree from St. Mary's Seminary and University.
Mr. Glascoe worked for the Social Security Administration and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. In 1999 he retired from the Maryland Department of Corrections as a computer systems analyst.
After retiring, he taught math at Woodlawn Senior High School.
"He was outgoing and bounced around. He had a lot of energy," said his wife, the former Charlotte Bowens. "He carried a computer and had an iPhone, was up on Twitter and Facebook."
In 1970, he was baptized at the Leadenhall Baptist Church, a congregation deeply rooted in South Baltimore's African-American community. He joined the Pre-Worshipers Choir, the Wilson Inspirational Choir, the Brotherhood Ministry, Courtesy Ministry and the Leadenhall Businessmen's Association. He was also an adviser to the Leadenhall Baptist Church Historical Committee. He also taught Sunday school and Bible study.
Friends said that Mr. Glascoe taught that when events took bad turns, those affected should learn life-changing lessons.
In 1983 he was licensed to preach under the pastorate of the late Rev. Dr. Eddie R. Wilson Jr., the church's late pastor. On April 14, 1989, he was ordained to the ministry.
As assistant pastor, he officiated at weddings and funerals and preached.
"He was a powerful and strong speaker and believer," the church secretary, said.
He received a Faithful Service Award from the Progressive Baptist Laymen in 1985 and the Distinguished Service Award from the Baptist Congress of Christian Education in 1987. Mayor William Donald Schaefer named him one of Baltimore's Best.
Mr. Glascoe enjoyed tinkering with electronics, computers and all types of gadgets. He was an avid photographer and shot photos at church and family affairs. He also did home improvement work and renovated his church's lower sanctuary.
Survivors include his wife of nearly 29 years; three sons, Gilbert P. Glascoe Jr., Louis Glascoe and Jordan Preston Glascoe and two daughters, Karen Glascoe and Kimberly Byars, all of the Baltimore area; four brothers, Richard Glascoe of Richmond, Va., Reginald Jones of Baltimore, Martin Jones and Roger Jones, both of Owings Mills; two sisters, Carolyn Parker and Marian Baker, both of Baltimore; and five grandchildren.
Services were held Thursday at Leadenhall Baptist Church.