Dr. Gerald
E. Glisson, a beloved principal in Paterson, is being remembered nearly five
months after losing his battle with COVID-19.
"You know, every sports
season, it just, it breaks your heart,” says Paterson Superintendent Eileen Shafer.
Coach, athlete, and educator
were just some of the many titles Glisson held at Eastside High School.
"He was a man of
integrity,” says Shafer. “He was a gentle giant, and he
cared about every single student in this district."
A ceremony
was held at Pennington Park Soccer Field before a game between Eastside and
Kennedy to honor a life well lived.
"He had a passion for
kids, and one of the things we constantly talked about is, what can we do for the next
person?" says David Cozart Jr, assistant superintendent.
Dr. Glisson died in May
after being diagnosed with COVID-19. He was principal for around three years,
but his impact on his students will last a lifetime.
"Going to their house
at night,” says Shafer. “Checking in on them. Bringing
them clothes if there was a fire in their home. Getting them a meal if they
hadn't eaten. Lending them money."
Family, friends, students,
and colleagues wore masks with his picture, vowing to never forget Glisson -- a
man so many looked up to.
"He was such a
wonderful person who truly loved our children, who truly wanted to make sure
everything was being done the right way, and he truly was there,” says Paterson Councilwoman Ruby Cotton.