Obituary of Gregory Baker Sears

Gregory Baker Sears, 65, of Millcreek Twp., formerly of Union City, died Saturday, August 27, 2016, at UPMC Presbyterian, Pittsburgh. He was born on April 1, 1951, in Union City, the son of the late Cassius Leland Sears and Harriette Montague Sears. Greg graduated from Union City Area H.S. in 1969. He earned an Associate Degree in accounting from the former Erie Business Ctr. in 1971. He graduated from the former Ora Jean Beauty Academy and worked in the hairdressing industry for nearly 40 years in Erie. Greg began his hairdressing career at the former Halle’s department store and then moved to the former Luzier’s on West 8th Street. He soon purchased his own salon, the former Déjà Vu on West 38th Street. After owning and operating the business for many years, he sold the salon and went to work at Topics on Zuck Rd. He most recently worked at Salon Be on West 8th Street. A skilled hairdresser and conversationalist, Greg earned the respect of his many clients. In turn, he enjoyed sharing their lives and making each person look his or her best. Greg was a triple transplant recipient. In 1989, he was diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a condition that weakens the heart muscle. He received a heart transplant on July 24, 1990, at UPMC Presbyterian. He received a kidney transplant in 2000 at UPMC Presbyterian and a second kidney transplant in 2006, also at Presby. Despite the medical challenges, Greg never complained. After each surgery, he followed a strict work ethic by returning to work full time. After his heart transplant, Greg served for a time as president of the Erie chapter of Transplant Recipients International Organization (TRIO) and appeared on radio and television broadcasts to tell his story and promote organ donation. A life-long music lover, Greg fulfilled a childhood dream by learning to play drums in adulthood, a hobby he enjoyed with family and friends. He also enjoyed driving his Miata. He was a member of Our Lady of Peace R.C. Church. Most of all, he cherished his family. Greg was a treasured guest and general host at many family events and social gatherings. His teasing wit will be missed by all. Besides his parents, Greg was preceded in death by two half sisters, Mary Elaine Sears, MD, and Ann Patricia Sears; his maternal grandparents, Tracy and Grace Montague; his paternal grandparents, Mortimer and Flora Sears, a niece, Sarah Burton; a sister-in-law, Lucille Burton; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Greg is survived by his wife, the former Shirley Burton, of Bradford. They were married on Sept. 8, 1973, at St. Bernard Catholic Church, Bradford. He is also survived by his son Colin Sears and his wife, Letitia, of Erie; a brother, Stephen Sears and his wife, Pamela, of Union City, four nieces, Erin Bockoras, Rachel Anderson, and Taylor Burton, all of Bradford, and Danielle Sears of Union City; a nephew, Mark Sears and his wife, Coleen, of Woods Hole, Mass.; a brother-in-law, Gregory Burton and his wife, Sheila, of Bradford; a beloved dog, Rose; and many cousins. Friends may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd. on Wednesday, August 31, 2016, from 2 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, September 1, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Peace R.C. Church, 2401 West 38th Street, Erie with the Rev. David Renne as celebrant. A private burial for family members will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Our Lady of Peace R.C. Church.