WEATHERSFIELD — Local school board member Tim Gleason died Thursday at the age of 71.

His wife, Sherry, said her husband was riding his bicycle on a local bike trail, where he suffered a heart attack.

“He died doing what he loved,” she said.

Gleason served the school district for more than 12 years and was an advocate for students, staff and the Weathersfield community.

Gleason was first elected to the board of education in 2013, beginning his term in January 2014.

During his 12-year tenure, he served as board president and vice president; acted as liaison between the district and Weathersfield Township; and represented the district with the Ohio School Boards Association.

Weathersfield Superintendent Damon Dohar said Gleason cared about the community’s youth.

“He devoted countless hours to helping, guiding and mentoring our students,” Dohar said. “He quietly ensured many students had necessities, such as food and clothing, and he consistently worked to create opportunities for young people to succeed. His impact on our district and community will be felt for years to come, and he will be greatly missed.”

An avid sports fan, Gleason was a familiar and beloved presence in Ridge athletics, announcing countless basketball, volleyball and wrestling events. He also played a key role in the Ridge Sports Complex nonprofit organization, which helped raise funds to convert the football field from grass to turf. Gleason enjoyed being part of the school community, helping and advising students and staff on a daily basis.

Dohar said that according to Ohio law, the board has 30 days to fill the vacancy.

School officials in a statement said “Gleason’s dedication to education, athletics and the Weathersfield community leaves a lasting legacy that will not be forgotten.”

Born in 1955, Gleason was originally from Pittsburgh and moved to Youngstown with his family in 1959. He graduated from Chaney High School in 1973 and then attended Youngstown State University prior to earning his bachelor’s degree in sports management from Biscayne College in 1979.

After spending a year as a graduate assistant at Nicholls State University in Louisiana, he joined the marketing and promotions department of the NCAA’s national office. In 1983, Gleason joined the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics and served in multiple positions and also founded the Northeastern Ohio Chapter of the National Football Foundation in 1988.

Gleason became the commissioner of the Ohio Athletic Conference in 1991, where he served until his retirement in 2021.

Officials said Gleason’s tenure at the OAC makes him one of just a handful of full-time commissioners to have ever served a single, multisport, NCAA conference for 30 years.

Gleason is known as the “Father of the NCAA Grant Program,” which was created under his leadership while with the Division III Commissioners Association. He was inducted into the Curbstone Coaches Hall of Fame in May 2025.

Gleason also worked as a freelance correspondent for the Tribune Chronicle and The Vindicator for several years.

Gleason’s funeral arrangements are pending.