William N. "Bill" Stears

1937 - 2023

BORN

1937

DIED

2023

William Stears Obituary

Name: Service for William N. "Bill" Stears
Start: 2023-05-05T15:00:00.000Z
Location: Chapel at Elm Grove Cemetery

Groton - William "Bill" Stears, 85, formerly of South Windsor, passed away Sunday, April 23, 2023, at Fairview Nursing Home in Groton. Born Dec. 14, 1937, in Springfield, Mass., he is predeceased by his wife of 53 years Geraldine (Spellman) Stears; his parents, John N. Stears II and Marion (Smith) Stears; a sister, Caroline (Stears) Bauerle; and brothers, John "Donny" Stears III and Douglas Stears.

Bill is a Korean War veteran and served in the U.S. Army. Then Bill worked as an auto mechanic, truck driver and finally, as an executive chauffeur for the Connecticut Bank & Trust president. In his younger years, he was an avid bowler, golfer and enjoyed watching sports and game shows on TV with his wife Gerri. On summer days, you could find Bill driving his award-winning 1954 Ford pickup truck with 565 HP under the hood.

Bill is survived by a brother, Ronald "Gus" Stears of Connecticut; a sister, Marlene (Stears) Bishop of Florida; his four daughters, Robin (Stears) Meder and her husband Ben of Massachusetts, Pamela (Stears) Lerario and her husband Bruce of Connecticut, Billie-Jo (Stears) Williams and her husband Brian of Connecticut, and Barbara (Stears) Clisby and his granddaughter Sarah Clisby of North Carolina, both with whom he was especially close; a stepson, David Platt of Connecticut, three stepdaughters; fifteen grandchildren; and a number of other relatives and friends.

A special thank you goes to the staff at Fairview Nursing Home for taking good care of Bill and Gerri in their final years. A service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, May 5, in the Chapel at Elm Grove Cemetery, 197 Greenmanville Avenue, Mystic.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Apr. 30, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for William Stears

10 Entries

Barbara Stears Clisby

April 24, 2025

Hi Daddy! I cannot believe it´s been 2 years since you passed. Grateful you´re no longer in pain. I do miss being able to pick up the phone and chat with you about your day or mine! Please tell Mom I miss you both. Tell Gramps I had a couple things I needed help on.

Love, Barb

Barbara Clisby

December 13, 2024

Hey Daddy, I cannot believe You have been gone for almost 3 years now. I miss our chats and talking about Mom and Sarah. Checking in with you was always nice, because you would tell me about a submarine that went up the river or down. I miss You and Mom so much. Keep watching over us and I'll keep you both in my prayers!
Love, Barbie and Sarah

Karen L Ranney

May 11, 2023

My heart goes out to family and friends on the death of my uncle Billy. My uncle was a handsome guy so much that some would mistake him for my dad John, his brother. He and his siblings were all gifted with great looks and big hearts. It was never a dull party at our family get togethers. Uncle Billy may you Rest In Peace and forever be lifted up by the love of those gone on before you and those who be longing to see you again. Your loving niece, Karen Ranney

Karen Ranney

May 11, 2023

I want to share one many family get togethers which included my Uncle Billy; my parents 50th wedding anniversary. I recall many family get togethers that included my Uncle Billy. He was an important part of a strong family of Stears who cared for each other. Uncle Billy may you Rest In Peace with family and friends who have gone on before you. I pray we will meet again in the house of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Your Loving niece, Karen Ranney (Stears)

Molly & John

May 6, 2023

Grief is difficult, but memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always. John & Molly Tripp xo

Goldie Stears

April 30, 2023

I am saddened by the loss of my uncle and send my condolences to the family. I'll cherish the memories I have of him, especially confusing him for my dad when I was little.
Sending you big hugs uncle Billy!!

Mark Stears

April 30, 2023

RIP uncle Billy. Will always remember the Stears picnics, many at my mom and dad´s house in Enfield. Uncle Billy would drive his "Hot Rod" truck there with the fresh corn for all. I´ll always remember how close Billy and my dad, John Stears looked alight.

Deb Murphy

April 30, 2023

To Barbie and all the family. Ed and I were neighbors from across the street in south Windsor. We have many fond memories of your mom and dad. Always a smile and wave as they were always driving down Maskel Road. May they rest in peace together again.

Billie-Jo

April 30, 2023

Daddy, it's hard to believe both you and mom are gone now. I'm glad I was able to spend that extra time with you in your final weeks. I'll always remember and appreciate your last words to me.

Be at Peace... Rest in Peace...
Your daughter,
Billie-Jo

Barbara Clisby

April 30, 2023

Dad,

Sarah and I are happy you are no longer suffering and in pain. We´ve had many laughs and tears. You were always there for a phone call and "guess what I´m watching on TV". It would be Golf, bowling, Opera or he and my moms favorite "Jeopardy". I would always say "I´ll call you when its over". May you rest easy! I´m sure you were greeted by Mom. You´re probably dancing and watching Jeopardy, so I´ll let you go! Love to you both! Miss you already!
Love, Barb & Sarah! XX OO

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results