Larry Earl Sears

Obituary: Larry Sears, Rutland, VT

Larry Earl Sears, 81, of Rutland, VT, passed away on February 9, 2025, leaving behind a legacy built on family, service, and a lifelong love of the great outdoors. Born on October 21, 1943, Larry was a proud lifelong resident of Rutland and Castleton Corners. He graduated from Fair Haven High School in 1961 as the first member of his family to earn a high school diploma.

Larry's strong sense of duty led him to serve in the United States Navy from 1961 to 1964, aboard the USS Gearing (DD-710), the lead ship of its class of destroyers. He wore his veteran status with pride, often sharing stories of his service with others. One of his favorites was a little-known account from the Cuban Missile Crisis. Larry often recounted how he was aboard the first ship to encounter and block the Russians during that tense time, well before the more famous Independence and Enterprise carriers arrived on the scene. It was a story he loved to share, one that embodied his deep sense of dedication and the pivotal moments of his military service.

His commitment to service extended beyond the military and into his professional life. After serving his country in the Navy, Larry spent four decades working at Moores’ Business Forms and Printing, contributing to his community until the plant closed in 1999. He continued to serve the public as a driver for the Rutland Para-Transit Bus service until his retirement in 2010.

Larry met the love of his life, Regina (Aquistapace), in December 1963, and they were married on August 22, 1965, at Christ the King Church in Rutland. Their 59 years together were filled with love, mutual respect, and shared passions around their family, daughters, and grandchildren that deepened their bond through the years.

The great outdoors was where Larry truly came alive. An avid hunter and fisherman, he spent countless weekends ice fishing at Lake Bomoseen with his daughters and friends, casting a line in almost every river he came across. His calendar was always marked by the start and end of hunting season, and whether it was with a rifle, bow, or muzzleloader, Larry embraced them all with immense joy. He spent hours perfecting his aim, especially with his bow, always determined to keep his skills sharp for clean and ethical hunting.

Snowmobiling with his family during their children’s early years was another highlight of his outdoor adventures, and he was a passionate supporter of Vermont’s wildlife and conservation efforts. Larry was a proud lifetime member of the NRA and an active participant in the American Legion, the National Wild Turkey Federation, and the Mendon Fish and Game Club, where his dedication to nature and conservation continued to thrive.

Larry dedicated 39 years as a Hunter Safety and certified Bow Hunter Instructor with the Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department, teaching thousands of children and adults the importance of responsible hunting at the Mendon Fish and Game Club. Larry was a key player in the successful reintroduction of wild turkeys to Vermont, Larry’s conservation efforts were deeply respected. He was a committed National Wild Turkey Federation member and worked tirelessly to promote ethical hunting practices

In addition to his role in the National Wild Turkey Federation, Larry was involved with numerous other conservation programs, including the Big Game Awards Program, S.A.V.E. (Sporting Alliance for Vermont Environment), and Operation Game Thief, where he served as treasurer. His unwavering commitment to Vermont’s wildlife education earned him the admiration of many. Larry also volunteered as an antler scorer and participated in local turkey calling competitions. He once said, “What’s fun is when you get a bird talking to you. You don’t have to shoot it. You can just have a lot of fun calling in the bird.”

Larry’s hunting adventures took him across the country, hunting everything from turkey and deer to moose, bear, and elk, and he treasured his big game hunting trips to Canada, New Hampshire, New York, Maine, Ohio, Wyoming, and Colorado. He loved sharing stories of these adventures, recounting his experiences with friends and family for hours.

Beyond his love for the outdoors, Larry was a remarkably talented handyman and woodworker. Renowned for his ability to build everything from homes to handcrafted furniture, he was always ready to lend a hand to family and friends, taking on countless projects with ease. His daughters and grandchildren often asked, "Hey YeYe, do you think you could make this?" and without hesitation, Larry would dive into the task, working tirelessly to bring their ideas to life. Whether it was picture frames, hutches, beds, bureaus, or even house additions, his craftsmanship and work ethic were second to none.

What truly set Larry apart was his dedication to passing on his skills. He cherished the opportunity to teach, especially his daughters and grandchildren, taking great pride in sharing the knowledge he had accumulated over the years. As a grandfather, Larry found joy in nurturing the next generation, teaching his three grandchildren how to swim, ride bikes, shoot, and even bait a hook for fishing. Their time together was filled with laughter, love, and invaluable lessons, making his later years all the more meaningful.

In addition to his many accomplishments and passions, Larry was profoundly dedicated to giving blood. Over the years, he selflessly donated 22 gallons to the American Red Cross, a true reflection of his compassion and desire to make a difference in the lives of those in need. He was a member of the Red Cross’ American Rare Donor Program. His generous donations helped save countless lives, including those of premature babies, and his legacy of kindness will continue to benefit his community and beyond.

Larry’s contributions to his community, Vermont’s wildlife, and his family will never be forgotten. His unwavering volunteerism, passion for conservation, and deep commitment to his loved ones will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.

On the Sears side of the family, Larry is survived by his loving wife, Regina(Aquistapace) Sears; his daughter, Pamela (Kalvin), and their three children, Kassidy, Elrik, and Rorrie Jay; his daughter, Christine; his brother, Doug (Nancy), and their children and grandchildren: Cindy Kraher, Josie Kraher, Doug Jr., Aaron, Jackson, Emma, Gryson, and Wynter Sears; as well as his niece, Tina Parrott, and his nephew, Kenneth Sears.

On the Aquistapace side, he is survived by two sisters-in-law, one brother-in-law, and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews.

Larry’s warmth, energy, and unwavering commitment to making the world a better place will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all those whose lives he touched. In honor of his generous spirit, the family kindly asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Vermont Chapter (75 Talcott Rd., Suite 40, Williston, VT 05495 or alz.org), the National Wild Turkey Federation (nwtf.org), or by participating in a blood drive through the American Red Cross in his name—continuing the legacy of kindness and service that Larry embraced so wholeheartedly.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday March, 8 2025 at 11:00AM at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Rutland VT.

Arrangements are under the direction of Clifford Funeral Home.