Maurice Christopher (Chris) Sears
Obituary
Sears, Maurice Christopher (Chris)
On Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at the age of 88. Devoted husband for 66 years. He was predeceased by his parents, James and Dora Fitzgerald Sears, his older brother James, and younger brother Fr. Gerald, a Cistercian priest. He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann, and their five children: Kenneth, John (Lorie), Chris (Kathy), Alison, and Brian (Karin). He leaves behind six beloved grandchildren: Caitie Forrest, Kristen Sears, Joseph Amato, Nicholas Amato, Hannah Sears, and Ian Sears, and one great grandchild, Adelaide Forrest. He is also survived by his brother Edward.
Born December 7, 1934 in the Bronx, NY, of Irish immigrant parents, he was proud of his first generation heritage. He had a great affection for Dingle, Ireland and his relatives living there. Chris attended St. Raymond’s grammar school in the Bronx, then Rice High School in Manhattan. He graduated from Iona College in 1956 with a major in history; he remained a loyal supporter of the now university through his life. His career with JCPenney led him and the family on a very mobile and interesting journey from the late 1950s through the 1980s.
Chris spent 37 years with JCPenney, retiring as a Vice President and Executive Assistant to the Chairman. His career commenced in management training at the Penney store in Plainview Long Island in the 1950s. Frequent transfers as his career developed took him to the company’s locations in Paramus and Audubon, NJ; the company regional office in Linden, NJ; then to the Dayton Mall, Ohio; back east to the Roosevelt Field store on Long Island; and in 1976 to Toms River, NJ where he was the first manager of the JCP store at the Ocean County Mall. Not many years after opening this unit he was transferred to corporate headquarters in Manhattan, commuting for about nine years from Toms River. He continued to advance through multiple positions at headquarters, including Assistant to the President, Marketing Manager for Children’s Wear, and Executive Assistant to the Chairman.
Finally, it was the company itself that moved, in 1988. Chris was an integral part of the executive team that oversaw this relocation. The move brought Chris and Mary Ann to Frisco, Texas where, upon Chris’ retirement in 1995, they chose to remain, as it had become home, and some of their children had moved to the area as well.
Chris was a wonderful artist; if he had chosen such a path, he would have made a great success of it. A delightful intersection between his retail career and artistic flair came when he made a clay model for the sculptor who produced the statue of J.C. Penney that long stood in the Frisco headquarters. His children will always cherish the artwork he has left them.
Chris was known among family, friends, and professional associates for his great sense of humor. He was kind and generous in his speech, never speaking a harsh word about anyone and fiercely principled in his work ethic. He was an avid golfer until ill health caused him to retire from the sport. He was a parishioner of St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Frisco at the time of his death. He will be greatly missed.
The family was generously served by the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) prior to Chris’ death. We are grateful for their many kindnesses.
There will be a private visitation on Monday, June 12. A public visitation will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 8000 Eldorado Parkway, Frisco, TX on Tuesday, June 13 from 10 – 11 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 11 a.m. A private inurnment will take place at Prince of Peace Catholic Community Columbarium in Plano at a later date.
Please leave the family condolences and share memories on this website.
Arrangements under the direction of:
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Dallas, Texas 75252
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Mr. Sears as I knew him was my sister Kathy’s father-in-law. I had the pleasure of his company over the years while visiting Kathy and Chris. I was always welcomed and made to feel at home when I was there. Mr. Sears was a kind and gentle man with a great smile and a sense of humor. I will miss him.
Chris was a mentor to me and a man I highly respected. He was a great golfing partner, and a big Mavericks fan. We enjoyed going to Mavs games together, especially during their championship season in 2011.
Deepest sympathies to the entire Sears family. My dear friend, you will be forever in my thoughts and prayers.
I worked with Chris many years during my career at JCPenney . Chris could walk into any room and with his calm demeanor resolved corporate and committee issues . Always had that wonderful smile on his face . You will be greatly missed and condolences to the entire family .
I am sorry for Maurice’s passing. He was my cousin, although I haven’t seen him for years I’ll always remember how kind and delightful he was.
Geraldine Long DeVera
Chris will always be remembered as a kind and considerate gentleman. He made a big impact on the success of JCPenney during his years there through his involvement in many major business decisions, and through his caring and supportive people leadership.
I worked with Chris in the executive office for many years…He was a great partner and always so positive. He was a key associate as we went through so many changes going from New York to Dallas. Chris left a great mark on JCPenney…. Terry Prindiville
Sincere condolences to Mary Ann and the Sears Family.
What a joy it was to have known Mr. Chris Sears and to know his loving wife, Mary Ann. Mr. Sears was a real ‘gentle’man and a prankster. From the time we met the Sears Family on the occasion of son ‘Chris’topher and my sister Kathy’s wedding 21 years ago, we knew our sister was joining heart and hand with her husband’s loving parents, brothers, sister and families. Chris and Mary Ann exuded love and happiness.
My husband, Bob & I were blessed to take a trip to Dingle, Ireland with them, son Kenneth, Kathy & Christopher in 2003 where we got to know this loving couple better.
Kind, gracious, thoughtful and fun to be with are the terms that come to mind.
Again in 2007, we were able to witness the joy of Chris & Mary Ann celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. The room was filled with love, fun and some terrific music by sons Kenneth & Chris.
Upon a visit with Chris & Mary Ann in November 2022, the tremendous love and affection they continued to share demonstrated what genuine marital love and commitment looks like. The affection of the Sears adult children, in-laws and grandchildren for Chris & Mary Ann is evidence of the esteem in which both are held.
We will miss your smile, Mr. Sears. It was a beacon of hope and joy. Thank you and God bless you.
Very fondly,
Marian & Bob White
Chris and I worked together at JCPenney for many years.We were neighbors with Chris and Mary Ann for many years in East Windsor, NJ.
Chris and I enjoyed many cold days at Veterans Stadium watching the Philadelphia Eagles games.
He was a loyal friend and I treasure my memories of him, and he will surely be missed.
RIP
I will always remember Chris as a great leader, but especially for being a kind and generous person. His patience and warm sense of humor created a work environment that inspired success. Thank you for many wonderful memories. Many blessings and sympathy to the Sears family.
Thank you for being the gentle soul you were here on earth! It was an honor taking care of you! Your sense of humor definitely shows through your family! Thanks for all the laughs and good times! God Bless!!!
Having won the JCPenney Chairman’s Award in the early 1990’s my wife and I attended the awards ceremony held at the Mark Hopkin’s hotel in San Francisco. Eager to get there a day early we checked in. I was surprised by the warm greeting by the hotel with me being one of many recipients. We were given a room on the top level of the hotel and later found out that our room was situated next to W.R. Howell (Chairman of the Board). We were later advised that I had been mistaken for Chris Sears. I immediately volunteered to move. When Chris heard of the mixup he told me to keep the room and have fun. What a thoughtful person.