Harold R. Bears

Went home to be with the Lord on April 18, 2025, at the age of 84.

Born July 22nd, 1940, to parents Charles and Mildred Bears, in Millinocket Maine. After graduating from Sterns High School, he enlisted in the US Army. He proudly served in the 82nd Airborne as a Paratrooper, and as a member of the Honor Guard, while stationed in Korea from 1959 to 1962. His hard work and dedication was recognized and honored with the Parachutist Badge and Expert Marksman Medal.

In September of 1959 Harry briefly returned to Maine to marry his High School sweetheart Irene Diana Cyr and they began their dream of starting a family. Returning home after completing his 3 year tour overseas, Harry moved his young family to Rochester, NY to begin working for Eastman Kodak Co., where he worked his way up to a Supervisor position. In 1976 he and Irene moved their four girls to Brockport, NY and built their "dream home" on 22 acres in the country.

Harry retired from Kodak in 1991 at the amazingly young age of 51, so he and Irene could enjoy more time with their rapidly growing family. His love for the outdoors provided him many years of pleasure hunting, fishing, traveling, including frequent trips back home to Maine, as well as working side by side with Irene on their 22-acre "Bears Farm".

If you knew Harry, you Loved Harry! He had a heart of gold, the strength of a grizzly, and he always gave THE BEST BEAR HUGS!

Harry is predeceased by his beloved wife Irene; daughters Terri Rosso & Elizabeth Bears-Ashton; and siblings Patricia McDonald, Beverly Emmerson, George Bears, and Richard Bears. He is survived by his daughters Kim (Rick) Popen, and Traci (Ron) Rosso; grandchildren Katie (Ben) Logan, Matthew (Nikki) Popen, Nicole (Frank) Bonafide, Mason (Cheyenne Stocum) Rosso, Lucas (Julia Thomas) Rosso, and Dakota (Emily Faul) Ashton; and great-grandchildren Caleigh & Liam Logan, Casey, Sammy, & Scarlett Popen, Carter Rosso, Paxton Pantane, and Arya Ashton.

Calling hours will be held 10 AM – 12 PM Saturday, May 3rd at Farrell-Ryan Funeral & Cremation Services, concluding with a funeral service at 12 PM. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Honor Flight Rochester. Honor Flight Rochester, Inc. PO Box 23581 Rochester, NY 14692.