Richard S. Glass, MD Obituary
Richard S. Glass, MD, passed away on Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at Liza’s Place in Wheeling, West Virginia.
Richard was born on October 4, 1940, in Baltimore, Maryland, as the third child of Albert and Loretta Glass. Following World War II, the family moved to several locations as Richard’s father was stationed at various Army bases. The family returned to Maryland where Richard attended Montgomery Blair High School, the University of Maryland, and University of Maryland Medical School. During this time, Richard married Donna Masincupp and they began a family welcoming daughters Laura Anne, Sally Catherine, and Jane Elizabeth.
Following medical school, Richard joined the US Army Medical Corps to complete his internship and residency. The family moved to Ft. Hood, Texas, where they added a fourth daughter, Jennifer Susan. Richard chose to specialize in orthopedic surgery and continued his training and service. The family moved cross-country several times to new assignments in Ft. Sam Houston in San Antonio, Ft. Leonard Wood in Missouri, the Presidio in San Francisco, and Ft. Gordon in Georgia. An avid student of history, Richard used these trips as opportunities to show his family historic sites throughout the US.
After 13 years of active duty, Richard was discharged from the Army in 1976. After considering a few places, Richard and Donna chose to settle in Wheeling, West Virginia, and have lived there ever since. Richard joined the Army Reserves and served until 1995 when he retired as a Colonel in the US Army Medical Corps. Richard was proud to have been reactivated during Desert Storm, serving in the Medical Corps at Ft. Knox.
As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, Richard worked at hospitals all over the Ohio Valley, specializing in artificial hip and knee replacement. He was a member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons and Association of Military Surgeons of the United States.
He was a member of the Twilight Club in Wheeling and enjoyed sharing his love of history with other members. He presented talks on Civil War history and a memorable three-part series on Gen. George Custer. When the Twilight Club visited Gettysburg National Park, Richard served as an unofficial tour guide, sharing stories and details from his vast knowledge of the battle.
Richard enjoyed playing tennis and (almost as much) setting up the tennis schedule for his neighborhood tennis group. Whether he was in the finals or cheering from the sidelines, he always participated in the Forest Hills Invitational Tournament each Labor Day – winning the men’s doubles twice. He was known as a good neighbor, always ready to help with a project or provide first-aid for scrapes and sprains.
Richard and Donna liked to travel and visited their daughters, grandchildren, and friends throughout the country often. They travelled to Normandy for the 49th anniversary of D-Day and again to Italy visiting Rome, Florence, and Venice. Richard toured the national parks in the Four Corners area of the western US in a three-generation adventure with son-in-law Paul and grandson Max.
He was a fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates, listening to games on radio as he mowed the lawn. For many years, Richard and Donna attended at least one home football game for Ohio State with friends and Richard went to an away game with the “travelling team” each season, trying to visit all the Big 10 rivals.
Richard was preceded in death by his sister Susan Glass. RIchard is survived by Donna, his wife of 64 years; daughters Laura Glass, Sally Glass Schmidt (Paul), Jane Glass, Jenny Glass Larson (Justin); grandchildren Max Schmidt (Sara), Julia Schmidt (Eryn), Hunter Larson, Brooke Larson, Raina Larson, and Ace Larson; brother David Glass and sister Judith Glass Collins (Ken); and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Richard was a member of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Wheeling.
Friends are invited to attend a memorial visitation from 10 AM until time of memorial service at 12 PM on Friday, May 9, 2025 at St. Matthews Episcopal Church, 1410 Chapline Street, Wheeling, WV with Ven. Joshua Saxe officiating. Reception to follow in the church parish hall.
Arrangements made by Kepner Funeral Home, 900 National Road, Wheeling, WV (304-232-2732).
In lieu of flowers, donations in Richard’s honor can be made to: St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, Oglebay Institute Museums, Youth Services Systems, or HealthRight of Wheeling.
