Burton Sears

Burton Newcomb Sears passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 surrounded by his loving family.  He was 97 years old.  Burton was born on July 23, 1917 in Wellesley, Massachusetts  to the late Julia M. Merrick Sears and Nathan F. Sears.  He is preceded in death by the love of his life and wife of 65 years, Jerri Opal Francis Sears, brother and only sibling, Paul Winslow Sears and oldest son, Richard Wills Sears.  Burton is survived by three children, Susan Sears Smith (Wilbert), David Brewster Sears (Biviany) and Karen Newcomb Sears Babin (William).  He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Daniel Burton Sears, April Sears, Kendra Smith Greenberg, Elaina Francis Wells, Robyn Smith Wallace, Davis Sears and Madison Sears, one step-grandchild, Denise Babin Scherer, 11 great grandchildren, 3 step-great grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.  Burton resided in St. Tammany Parish for 10 years.  He received his Bachelors Degree in History from Brown University and his Masters Degree in Hospital Administration from Northwestern University.  Burton’s career as Hospital Administrator spanned many years including Newton-Wellesley Memorial Hospital and Elk County General Hospital.  He finished his career as Vice President, Director of Professional Relations for Blue Cross of North Eastern Pennsylvania where he retired from after 15 years of service.  Much of his career was dedicated to helping people with mental illnesses.  He was a member of the Mayflower Society and was involved with the American Heart Association, Kiwanis Club and Little Theatre just to name a few.  A descendent of William Brewster, the Pilgrims religious leader, Burton has a passion for knowledge that he satisfied through reading, music, and historical and cultural events.  He was a compassionate man and loving husband, father and grandfather who had an incredible zest for life with a fun and quirky sense of humor.  He always wanted to be sure he put a smile on your face.  Burton had a heart of gold and was a charming and gracious man and his family was blessed to have him for such a long time.  Words cannot describe how much he will be missed.  A memorial service will be held graveside in Wellesley, Massachusetts in the spring.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Burton’s favorite charity, the Salvation Army.