Stephen J. Sears,75, of the Jackson II Road, Carthage, was stricken suddenly and died Monday evening October 3, 2022 at his home in Carthage.

Stephen was on born April 14,1947 in Carthage, the son of the late Mark and Jean (Stephenson) Sears. He was a 1966 graduate of Carthage Central High School.  He served in the Navy during the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1968. He was united in marriage to the former Sally K. Genito on July 30,1971 in Carthage.  For many years he worked at Crown Zellerbach-James River until the mill's closing. He then worked in the Public Works Department at Fort Drum as a plumber, retiring in 2010. They couple have wintered in Florida at their residence for many years.

He was a member of the American Legion Post #789 and the VFW Post #7227 both of Carthage. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and riding his motorcycle.

He is survived by his wife: Sally K. Sears of Carthage, a son: Barry (Nikki) Sears of Saranac Lake, a daughter: Samara (David) Graft of Portland, MI. He also has four grandchildren; Emory Bartz, Lucius Bartz, Oliver Sears and Eleanor Sears; a sister: Jane (Glen) Chaffee of Alabama, a brother: Mark (Amada) Sears of Florida and a half brother, Paul Stackel of Lowville.

A Celebration of Life will be held, Monday, October 17, 2022, at 5:00pm at the V.F.W. Post # 7227 on West End Ave in Carthage. There will be no calling hours. Arrangements are with the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home, Carthage. To leave a condolence, go to www.bezanillafh.com.