Richardson Bringhurst Glidden, M.D., aged 86, passed away on July 21, 2017 at Moravian Manor, Lititz, Pennsylvania. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Jean (Cook), his three daughters and their spouses, Victoria and Larry Silver of Portland, Oregon, Jennifer and Steve Black of Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, and Elizabeth and Christian Andersen of Dover, Delaware, his grandchildren, Jessica and Erin Casey and Nikolas Andersen, his sister Helen Lohm of Lutherville, Maryland, and many nieces and nephews.
Son of the late Esther (Wilson Bringhurst) and Burt Rufus Glidden, Dr. Glidden was born May 20, 1931, in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and grew up in Manheim Township where was one of the locally-famed “Glidden triplets” — Tom, Dick and Harry. He was preceded in death by his brothers Burt Rufus, Thomas, and Harry.
He attended Manheim Township schools through ninth grade and graduated from Westtown School in 1949. He attended Franklin and Marshall College where he played on the winning team of the 1952 national soccer championship and was inducted into the F&M Athletics Hall of Fame.
During the Korean War, Dr. Glidden served in the United States Army National Guard and then the United States Army stationed in Germany. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Franklin and Marshall College to pursue pre-medical studies, graduating in 1955. While at Franklin and Marshall, he met and married the love of his life, Jean Frances Cook, on June 12, 1954. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in 1959 where he also completed his residency and internship, specializing in obstetrics and gynecology.
In 1963, Dr. Glidden joined in medical practice with the late James B. McClements, MD, in Dover, Delaware with whom he practiced for twenty years. Dr. Glidden served on the state medical board and was an active advocate for women’s health care. Upon his retirement, Dr. and Mrs. Glidden traveled extensively throughout the Unites States and Nova Scotia. Prior to his passing, Dr. Glidden was an ardent contract bridge player, working toward the rank of Master with the American Contract Bridge League.
Dr. Glidden was an avid golfer, an accomplished woodworker and enjoyed duck hunting. He was an aficionado of classical music, nature, and crossword puzzles, and a devoted friend of Bill W for more than thirty-five years. His greatest passion was his family who will miss him terribly.
A celebration of life service for Dr. Glidden will be held at a future date. Interment will be private for the family. Letters of Condolence may be sent to: The Glidden Family, 445 West Second Avenue, Lititz, PA 17543.
Dear Jen, Steve, Girls, entire Glidden Family: My sincere condolences for your incredible loss. It is with great sadness that I extend my heartfelt thoughts and prayers to all of you during this very difficult time. May you find peace and comfort throughout this period with one another and looking back on the many lovely memories will help to sustain you. It is NEVER easy when we lose someone we love……Sally Paff
Dear Family,
Please accept our condolences. It was with sadness and tears that we heard of Dick’s death. Dick was a member of the Dover Duplicate Bridge Club. He was missed when he moved to Lititz, but he still kept in touch. He was kind and helpful and all of his bridge partners enjoyed playing with him.
Dear Jen
So sorry to hear of the pasting of your dad. He was a great guy. You and your family will be on our prayers.
God bless
Charlie and Cindy Hinkle
I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. You all know how much That man meant to me. As part of the Woodbrook clan, your parents were a huge part of our young lives. I’ve admired both your parents for many years. My sincere condolences go to all of you. My thoughts love and prayers are with you all.
Dear Jean and daughters. It is with great sadness that you have to lose your husband and father. Jean, our friendship has endured 69 years and shall last until we are gone. It is now time for you to go on as any Northfield girl would. I know you can do it. Love your dorm mate Jan
I cannot begin to express my sadness at the passing of Dick. He was always so kind and helpful to both my husband and me over the years. He could always make me smile when things were falling apart at our Real estate office!! We will miss him and remember him with love and a smile.