Tolland Obituary: Charles Sears, Jr., 78

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Charles F. Sears, Jr. of Broad Brook, at the age of 78.

He was born in Goshen, MA, son of the late Charles F. Sears, Sr. and Louise (Clark) Sears and graduated from Williamsburg High School where he excelled academically as well as in the sports of basketball and baseball. Charlie graduated from Northeastern University in Boston with a Bachelor’s Degree in mechanical engineering and received his Master’s Degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY.

His working career started at Sprague Electric where he was sent to Hong Kong to manage a factory for three years. Following this he joined Ano-Coil in Rockville, and then became interested in the plastics industry. In 1985 he acquired Dri-Air Industries, Inc. now located in East Windsor and developed that company into being a major provider of desiccant dryers for the plastics industry.

While living in Tolland, he was very active in the Planning and Zoning Commission of the town; at one time was a corporator of the former Tolland Bank; a deacon of The United Congregational Church of Tolland; and coached various sports in which his children were involved. He was a member of the Society of Plastics Engineers; the Plastics Industry; and was a member of the Board of Governors of the Plastics Pioneers.

He leaves his wife of 55 years, Esther (Snow) Sears who loved him dearly; his daughter Wendy and Greg O’Seep of West Simsbury; his son Jason and Rebecca Sears of North Granby; his grandchildren Austin and Carolyn O’Seep; Caleb and Joshua Sears. He also leaves his brother Ramon Sears and his wife Andrea of Ashfield; his sister Elaine Sears of Nashua, NH; and his sisters-in-law, Peg Pudlo and her husband Skip of Belchertown, MA, and Katherine Snow-Stahelski and her husband Paul of Easthampton, MA. Charlie was predeceased by his brother Gilbert Sears.

He had many friends, especially his cribbage playing buddies…Bernie, Dick, and the two Joe’s who will miss him terribly. He was a kind and thoughtful man who treated each person as a friend.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, August 13, 2018, at 11a.m., at the South Congregational Church, 242 Salmon Brook St., Granby, followed by a reception for all at the Holcomb Farm. A private burial will take place in Village Hill Cemetery in Williamsburg, MA. There are no calling hours.

Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home in South Windsor has care of the arrangements. Please visit us at www.carmonfuneralhome.com for online condolences and guest book.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Charlie’s memory may be made out to “The UMass Lowell Plastics Scholarship Fund” and sent to Gail Sheehy, UMass Lowell, Plastics Engineering Department, One University Ave, Lowell, MA 01854. Or donations may be made to the Plastics Museum at Syracuse University: “Syracuse University Libraries” with the words “Plastics Collection” in the memo line of the check, and send to: Syracuse University Libraries, Attn: Bianca Breed, 222 Waverly Ave., Syracuse, NY 13244.