Thomas Allen Kear

March 25, 1951 — March 14, 2024

Poland

Poland - Thomas Allen Kear, 72, passed away peacefully on March 14, 2024 at Masternick Memorial, surrounded by his loving wife and children.

He was born March 25, 1951 in Carey, OH, a son of the late Virgil and Alice (Clinger) Kear.

Tom graduated from Carey High School in 1969. He attended The Ohio State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and met his future wife.

Tom’s professional journey was as diverse as it was accomplished, including TV and radio tower installation, cancer research, scientific equipment sales, warehouse automation, and technology management.

Tom shared his love of kite flying, hiking, fishing, and other outdoor activities with his family. He was a dedicated member of both the Ohio Society for the Elevation of Kites (OSEK) and the American Kitefliers Association (AKA). The Kear family participated in numerous kite flying events over the years, including many visits to the Smithsonian Kite Festival in Washington DC and the Kite Festival at the Dayton Air Force Museum. He enjoyed observing wildlife in his own backyard and hiking in places like Poland Woods, Mill Creek, and Hocking Hills.

Tom’s love for science was evident throughout his life. At 7 years old, he requested a microscope for Christmas. It was a cherished gift which inspired him to study microbiology in college. He relished competing in high school science fairs, with winning entries displayed at COSI and the Ohio State Fair. In his later years he volunteered as a judge at the State Science Day at OSU. He was interested in scientific history and new developments, always reading about both and marveling at the rate of progress. Tom shared his passion for science and technology with his children, raising two engineers and a computer scientist.

Tom’s favorite holiday was Groundhog Day. Several years, he made the trek to Gobbler’s Knob in Punxsutawney Pennsylvania to see the famous groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil. Tom stood with the thousands of other revelers for hours waiting for the groundhog to emerge and make his prediction. Whether Phil saw his shadow or not, Tom celebrated the day with a smile.

Tom was a longtime member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, his beloved wife of 52 years, the former Cheryl Pappas, whom he married June 16, 1971; his children, Lynn (Robert) Kear-Noe of Powell, Susan (Christopher) Shamis of Dayton, and Brian (Qini) Kear of Delaware, OH; his grandchildren, Nicholas, Nolan, and Katherine; and two brothers, Daniel (Chris) Kear and Jon Kear. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Family and friends will be received from 10:00 AM until 10:50 AM on Saturday, March 23, 2024 at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 2985 Center Road, Poland, OH 44514. Funeral services will begin at 11:00 AM, followed by a luncheon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Cunningham-Becker Funeral Home in Poland. Please visit www.beckerobits.com to send the family condolences.

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Saturday, March 23, 2024

10:00 - 11:00 am (Eastern time)

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church

2985 Center Road, Youngstown, OH 44514

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