Jeffrey R. Sears

BOYLSTON - Jeffrey “Jeff” Sears, 51, passed away peacefully at home on August 22, 2026.

Jeff was, first and foremost, a deeply dedicated father who poured his heart into raising his son, Aiden—instilling in him the value of hard work, an appreciation for the quiet beauty of nature, and the strength to face life’s challenges. A true jack-of-all-trades, Jeff was always willing to drop everything to lend a helping hand. He was a skilled crane operator, an avid tractor puller, and happiest outdoors hunting, fishing, practicing archery, or tinkering with engines. He loved listening to Bob Seger and could recite nearly every episode of Family Guy and The Big Bang Theory.

Born on September 6, 1974, Jeff was raised in Boylston, MA, where he lived most of his life. He graduated from Tahanto Regional High School in 1993, completed post-graduate training in auto mechanics at Worcester Vocational, and later attended the Motorcycle Mechanics Institute in Arizona. Over the years, Jeff launched his own business, J. Sears Trucking, worked on equipment and trucks for Wachusett Landscaping, and eventually joined IUOE Local 4. He spent ten years operating cranes for Central Mass Crane prior to his cancer diagnosis.

On August 22, 2026, the Lord called Jeff home, bringing an end to his pain. Jeff leaves behind his beloved son, Aiden Sears of Sutton, of whom he was immensely proud. He is survived by his parents, Steve and Cindy (Shankle) Sears of Boylston; his brother, Tim Sears and his wife, Ann Marie, of North Carolina; his sister, Shannon and her husband, Ben Grounds, of Maryland; his nephews, Jackson, Lucas, Jacob, and Daniel; and his niece, Ella Kate.

Jeff leaves behind his partner, Melissa Hart, without whose tireless love, unwavering care, and constant presence he could not have faced his illness.  

Additionally, Jeff leaves his aunt, Donna Belinsky, and her husband, Bruce, of Norton; his uncle, Bob Sears, and his partner, Tracy Hill, of Berlin; his uncle, Mike Sears of Florida; his aunt, June Shankle of Maine; his cousins, Tammany, Chris, and Brandon Shankle, and Ben and Alex Belinsky; his Godmother, Maureen DiTerlizzi of Shrewsbury; Aiden’s mother, Jen Sears, and her wife, Jaime, of Sutton.

Jeff formed deep, lifelong friendships, including with his best friend and fishing partner, Toby Isaacs of Rutland, MA, who was like a brother to him. Jeff’s family is profoundly grateful to his large network of friends and supporters throughout his illness.

Jeff was preceded in death by his uncle, Ken Shankle; his maternal grandparents, Ray and Esther Shankle, with whom he shared an extraordinarily close bond; and his paternal grandparents, Rose and Dick Sears.

A celebration of Jeff’s life will be held at a later date, where family and friends can gather to share stories, laughs, and memories. Arrangements are in the care of Miles-Sterling Funeral and Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Road, Sterling.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The First Congregational Church of Boylston, 10 Church Street, Boylston, MA 01505 (www.fcc-boylston.org/give-back).