The Rev. Richard L. “Dick” Sears, age 79, of Gloversville, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 11, 2018, at his residence with his loving wife Janice by his side.
He was born on December 26, 1938, in Cortland, the son of the late Esmond Sears and Dorothy Blake Sears.
Dick was a graduate of Lake Placid High School. He received his bachelor’s degree from Drew University in Madison, New Jersey and completed his master of divinity at the New York Theological Seminary. The Reverend Sears was an integral component of the clergy, most recently serving the former First United Methodist Church of Johnstown and the First United Methodist Church of Gloversville. He also served churches in Watervliet, East Greenbush, Lake Placid and Essex Junction, VT.
Dick was a 60 plus year member of the Barbershop Harmony Society and sang in various quartets and choruses over the years. In 1990, his quartet, “Something Old, Something New,” won the Northeastern District Championship. Dick was also an avid hunter and fisherman.
He is survived by his wife, Janice Becker Sears, whom he married on June 23, 1962; two daughters, Jennifer DeYoung and her husband Daniel of Fairport, and Amy Jones of Waterford; three grandchildren, Kay Jones, Christian Jones and Rachel Jones; and one great-grandson, William Murphy.
A celebration of life service for the Rev. Sears will be conducted at Foothills United Methodist Church, 17 Fremont Street, Gloversville, on January 6, at 2 p.m.
In keeping with Dick’s request, there will be no calling hours.
Contributions in his memory may be made to the Foothills Worship and Mission Center building fund. Please consider visiting the go-fund me page, created by Dick Sears, in support of the new Worship and Mission Center at https://www.gofundme.com/overcoming-obstacles-gods-promise. Contributions can also be sent to the Foothills United Methodist Church, memo:crowd-funding, 17 Fremont St., Gloversville, NY 12078.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the A.G. Cole Funeral Home Inc., 215 E. Main Street, Johnstown.
Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting our website at www.agcolefuneralhome.com.
