John N. Stears

PINE MEADOW — John N. Stears III died July 24, 2009, at the age of 73. He was the loving husband of Hinda “Bunny†(Harrison) Stears for 54 years.

Mr. Stears was born in Springfield, Mass., on July 23, 1936, the son of the late Marion E. (Smith) and John N. Stears II. He resided 64 years in Connecticut before moving to The Villages in Florida. He was a U.S. Marine veteran and a retired Teamsters/Local 404 driver for Consolidated Freightways.

He will be remembered by his passion for the sport of bowling. He bowled in many leagues in Connecticut and Florida and participated at local, state, national and senior tournaments. He devoted time instructing junior bowlers and enjoyed NASCAR racing with many friends and family. In the past nine years he had taken up golfing, shuffleboard and bocce. He was also a member of the ROD (Retired Old Drivers) Club. When not participating in competitive sports, you might have found Mr. Stears dressed as Santa handing out candy canes to neighbors, placing flags at the homes of his neighbors on special occasions or generously offering his time and services to anyone in need.

In addition to his devoted wife, he leaves his children, Deborah Haut and her husband, Doug, Mark Stears and his wife, Diane, Karen Ranney and her husband, David, Leslie Stears and Goldie Stears; 16 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; two brothers, Billy and Ronnie Stears; and a sister, Marlene Bishop. He was predeceased by his son, Robert; a sister, Carol Baurele; and a brother, Doug Stears.

A memorial service was held July 29 at Immaculate Conception Church, New Hartford. There were no calling hours. Montano-Shea Funeral Home, New Hartford, has care of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to a local American Heart Association. Visit the online guestbook at montano-shea.com.

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