Richard F. Sears

Woodgate - Richard F. Sears, 71, passed away on Thursday, July 22, 2010, at his residence while surrounded by the loving care of his family. His passing occurred after a long and valiant battle with melanoma. A native of Utica, he was born on September 20, 1938, a son of Edward J. and Gladys (Waldron) Sears. His younger life was spent in Utica where he attended Our Lady of Lourdes Grade School, before moving to Woodgate with his family at the beginning of his sophomore year of high school. Richard graduated from Forestport High School with the Class of 1957. In September 1957, Mr. Sears enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving his country at Ellyson Field, Pensacola, FL. He was honorably discharged at the rank of airman (AN) on September 11, 1959. He then served in the Navy Reserves until November 1962. Following his military service, he began his employment at Special Metals of New Hartford, first for twenty years in the sales department, and then in the Traffic Department, retiring as manager of the department in November 2002, after 43 years of service. Following his retirement, the couple spent winters in Lakeland, FL and summers in Woodgate. Richard was married at one time to Joyce E. Cieri, however they were later divorced. On October 9, 1999, he was married to Hazel (Moon) Failing in Utica. Mr. Sears was a member of St. Mary of the Snows Church, Otter Lake, and had served on the church parish council. He also was a member of the Boonville Council Knights of Columbus and was a past member of New Hartford American Legion and the Woodgate Fire Co., He also had served as Supervisor for the Town of Forestport. In addition to his wife, he is survived by a son, Kristan B. Sears of Schenectady; a daughter, Stacie H. Sears of San Francisco, CA; a stepson, Robert Failing, III of St. Johnsville; three step- daughters, Mary Beth Hudyncia and her husband, Richard, and Lynn Briggs and her husband, David, all of Ft. Plain, and Amanda Failing of Syracuse; five step-grandchildren; a sister, Dorothy Modliszewski of Yorkville; a brother and sister-in-law, Edward and Percy Sears of Rome; and his father-in-law, Harold Moon of Forestport. He was predeceased by a brother, Senator William R. Sears in June 1998. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Memorial Mass on Monday at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary of the Snows Church, Rt. 28, Otter Lake. Interment with military honors will follow in Woodgate Cemetery. In keeping with his wishes there will be no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Mary of the Snows Church, C/O 110 Charles St. Boonville, NY 13309, or to the Woodgate Fire Company. His arrangements are in care of Trainor Funeral Home, Inc. 143 Schuyler St., Boonville. Please use the "Sign Guestbook" link below to leave an online message of sympathy or to share a memory of Richard.