Robert Allen Sears, a long-time resident of Longmeadow and Westport, MA, passed away on July 6th at the Charlton Hospital in Fall River, after a fall and brief illness at age 86. He was born in Torrington, CT and grew up in Ware, MA.  After graduating from Williston Academy class of 1946, he attended Tufts University both as an undergraduate and medical student. He later practiced medicine in Western Mass for thirty-four years as a specialist in internal medicine and endocrinology before his retirement in 1995.

Dr. Sears maintained a strong interest throughout his life in the outdoors, camping, and community service.  As a Boy Scout, he reached the rank of Eagle Scout. He twice traveled with his family across the country in a camper trailer visiting old battlegrounds and national parks in 46 different states. In later years, he visited all seven continents pursuing an interest in natural history, geography, and human cultures.  He was a member of the World Affairs Council of Western Mass, and remained a devoted alumnus. He served on the Tufts University Alumni Council and as president of the Tufts University Alumni Association. During retirement, he was instrumental in establishing the Tufts Institute for Learning in Retirement and received the Tufts Alumni Association’s Distinguished Service Award. He was formerly a member of the Field Club, Colony Club, and Longmeadow Country Club.

Dr. Sears leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Norma W. Sears; and sons, Robert Allen Sears Jr. of Los Angeles, James Andrew Sears II of London, England, Stuart Donaldson Sears of Sharon, and David Denison Sears of Arlington; and daughter Martha Wiley Sears Baker of Westwood, in addition to eleven grandchildren.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Robert A. and Norma W. Sears Scholarship Fund, Williston Northampton School, 
19 Payson Avenue
, Easthampton, MA 01027.