Herbert Walter Sears, of Damariscotta, and formerly of Rocky Hill, Conn., died peacefully on Mon., Jan. 2 at his home at Schooner Cove overlooking the Damariscotta River. He was 93.
Herb was born on April 7, 1918 in Dorchester, Mass., the son of Herbert Stradivarius Tubbs and Lutie Graves Sears.
He attended the Cambridge Latin School and graduated from Wakefield High School. Herb graduated from Boston University School of Management, Class of 1939.
A retired Navy Lieutenant Commander and the recipient of three navy letters of commendation, he saw active duty as an officer in the Seabees in the South Pacific during World War II, as well as with the Navy during the Korean Conflict. He also was a Lieutenant Commander of the Connecticut State Naval Militia, member of the Oak Leaf Naval Supply Corps Alumni Association, and a member of the Navy Seabee Veterans of America Inc.
Herb started a long and distinguished career with Connecticut Light & Power and Northeast Utilities in 1941. He was made a Vice President in 1964 and rose to be a Director and the Senior Executive Vice President. In addition, he was also a Director of The Connecticut Yankee Atomic Power Company and several other subsidiary companies. Herb was an early leader in the development of the nuclear energy power industry and was active in industry associations related to procurement, emergency energy preparedness and nuclear safety. Throughout his career he was a member of, and filled various officer roles in, organizations including the American Nuclear Society, Edison Electric Institute, Chairman of the solid fuels Division of the State of Ct. Emergency Resources Corps. New England Shippers Board, and the N. E. Counsel’s Fuel and Energy Committee.
He was a 32nd Degree Mason and belonged to the Federal Lodge #12 in Watertown, Conn. He was a member of the Rocky Hill Congregational Church in Connecticut and the Union Church in South Bristol. Over his lifetime, he enjoyed many interests and activities including hiking, skiing, boating, forestry, and travel. Herb was a member of the American Tree Farm Association and the American Forest Foundation, trustee of The Open Hearth Association in Hartford, Conn. and a member of the Antiquarian and Landmarks Society. He was a decedent of several Mayflower ancestors.
In retirement, he served as a Director and President of the Gulf of Maine Foundation. He was a member of the Christmas Cove Improvement Association and a supporter of other civic causes.
His summers were spent at his home at Clarks Cove in Walpole. They were filled with his favorite projects, gardening, boating and gatherings with his friends and family.
His marriage of 45 years to his high school sweetheart G. Nancy True Sears ended with her death on March 25, 1985. He married his second wife Edith Murray Sears after meeting her at his 50th high school reunion. She passed away April 11, 2010 after 23 years. He is survived by his two children Martha Sears Barclay and her husband Fredrick of Newburyport, Mass., and his son Herbert True Sears and his wife Ann of Exeter, N.H.; his six grandchildren Fredrick B. Barclay Jr., Sarah B. Currier, Hannah T. Sears, Herbert M. Sears, Emily G. Sears; and his two great grandchildren Henry L. Currier, and Lydia A. Currier. He is also survived by his four stepchildren, Helen Frisch of California, Robin Murray of California, David Murray of Florida and Donna Nichols of Oregon.
A burial will be held at the Mayflower Cemetery in Duxbury, Mass. at the family’s ancestral plot. A celebration of his life will be held in the spring.
Herb’s family sincerely thanks the wonderful family of caregivers who gave affection and loving kindness to Herb over the last 12 years.
In lieu of flowers, a donation in his memory may be made to the Miles Memorial Hospital, c/o Development Office, 35 Miles St., Damariscotta, ME 04543.
Condolences, and messages for the family, may be expressed by visiting www.StrongHancock.com.
Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main St., Damariscotta.
