John "Jack" David Sears

Jack was born January 12, 1951 in Elmira, New York to Glenn W. Sears, Sr. and Norma Stanton Sears. He graduated from Horseheads High School in 1969.

The 70’s was a special decade for Jack. On a blind date on February 15, 1974, Jack met Letricia Tobey; they were married exactly one year later. Jack graduated from the University of Maine, Orono in 1978. Near the end of that decade, his son and daughter Brett and Janna were born.

Serving his country in the United States Coast Guard and United States Air Force allowed Jack to travel much of the world. He went to both poles while in the Coast Guard and served in New Mexico, Okinawa, Florida, and Norway while in the Air Force.

Jack and family moved to Keene in 1991 where he finished his working career in the Registrar’s Office at Keene State College. Working in an “ivy-covered building” had been a dream of his. Elliott Hall provided that.

A lifetime goal was fulfilled in 2008 when Jack became a Certified Lay Minister for the United Methodist Church. For three years he served the Richmond United Methodist Community Church and Grace United Methodist Church in Keene. When the Methodist Church in Keene closed, Jack and Tricia began attending the Monadnock Covenant Church where he was active until his illness precluded volunteer activities and attendance.

Becoming a grandfather in 2006 & 2007 to Priscilla and Lydia enhanced Jack’s life like only grandparenthood can. Since the girls were born in Doha, Qatar; he and Tricia (aka Poppy and Mimi) made three trips to Doha. Jack enjoyed a close relationship with his children. As his father’s disease progressed, Brett made many trips from Canada to spend time with his dad, watching sports and bemoaning the sometime hapless Red Sox and Patriots.

A ball—-no matter the size—- intrigued Jack. He would play, watch, or read about sports. An avid reader and jigsaw puzzler for most of his life, Jack spent hours reading theology, history or fantasy science fiction. He often got ‘good’ words for Scrabble and Quiddler from his fantasy reading! He loved nature and, while not a gardener, he appreciated the beauty of flowers and vegetables—even eggplant!

Jack was predeceased by his parents, brother David E. Sears, and beloved daughter Janna N. Sears. His special feline friend Lily gave Jack tremendous comfort before her passing.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Letricia , son Brett (Katie), granddaughters Priscilla and Lydia, brothers Glenn W. Sears (Judy), Thomas E. Sears, sister Jane S. Burke, sisters-in-law Aletha J. Sears, Noreen T. Golden and Jill C. Tobey (Bill), brother-in-law Robin K. Tobey, and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. He is also survived by his golfing/breakfast buddy, Larry Cummings.

The family would like to thank the staff at HCS, especially Bobbie Heinonen for the compassion and care provided for over eight months.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Monadnock Covenant Church, 90 Base Hill Rd., Keene, NH, on Saturday, June 24, at 11:00 am.

At Jack’s request, for those who are so inclined, donations to Janna’s former employer, the Humane Society International (HSI), 1255 23rd Street, NW, Suite 450, Washington, DC 20037, (donate.hsi.org) would be gratefully accepted.