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.