Philip Sears

Philip Connington Sears, 79, of Somers, NY, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2026, after a courageous battle with esophageal cancer. Known to family and friends as Phil, he will be missed for his quiet strength, humility, and patience and, as a man who loved deeply, thought clearly, and lived meaningfully.

Born March 3, 1946, in Boston, Massachusetts, to Richard H. and Elva Connington Sears, Phil was a New Englander, forever marked by the region's accent, spirit, and integrity. He graduated from Silver Lake Regional High School in 1964 and earned a Bachelor of Science in geology from Marietta College in 1968. He served honorably in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1970; though he viewed the conflict itself as dishonorable, he remained a man of deep personal integrity. Upon returning to civilian life, he followed his passion for the natural world, earning a master's degree in oceanography from Old Dominion University in 1973.

In 1969, he married Carolynn "Carrie" Reppert. Their partnership of more than five decades was built on respect, curiosity, and unwavering devotion. They raised two children, Jessica and Jacob, and cherished two granddaughters, Arielle and Gracie Brown. Phil spent his free time caring for his family and making memories-on soccer fields and scouting trips, cross-country skiing, and family vacations.

Phil's professional life was defined by his passion for the seas and commitment to the Earth. His professional journey began at Van Houten Associates in 1973, where he analyzed data for the design of offshore ports around the world. He was pleased to join AKRF, Inc. in 1987 as an environmental consultant and pioneer in the early years of environmental protection. Colleagues remember him for his meticulous attention to detail and his famously modest lunchtime routine: a sandwich, Budweiser, and a bag of Lay's potato chips. Throughout his life, he didn't just study the environment; he strove to live his values through a simple, sustainable lifestyle.

Phil's influence extended through generations of his family. He was a cornerstone in the lives of his niece, the late Diane Peterson, and her siblings, David, Doug, and Susan Conklin. To David, Phil was the man who taught him 'how to do things the right way'-a sentiment echoed by his grandnephews and grandniece, who saw him as a steady role model.

Phil gave generously of his time and skills to his community. He was an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Northern Westchester, serving on the board, managing the testing of the drinking water, and helping in numerous little ways from setting out chairs to flipping pancakes. As a Pound Ridge resident for nearly 40 years, he served on the Water Control Commission and the Water/Sewage Task Force, bringing his professional expertise to civic service. Phil found it rewarding to help others; he volunteered at the local food pantry in Mt. Kisco and with Neighbor to Neighbor in Pound Ridge.

A lifelong adventurer and student of the world, Phil's interests knew no bounds. In his youth, he was a bold water skier and boatsman; later in life, he took to the skies as a pilot and skydiver. He was as comfortable scuba diving the seven seas as he was auditing history, music, and art classes at SUNY Purchase or creating fused glass art at the Katonah Art Center. Despite global travels to over 35 countries on six continents, he remained forever loyal to his 'Beantown' roots and his beloved Red Sox.

He was predeceased by his parents Richard and Elva Sears; his sister Janet Conklin (later, Casey), niece Diane, and nephew Doug. He is survived by his wife Carrie; children Jessica and Jacob, and their respective partners, Dan Kendrick and Megan Kapsiak; granddaughters Arielle and Gracie; nephew David; niece Susan Casey, and their beloved children, his grandnieces and nephews. His love extended to all his in-laws, too. Phil leaves behind a legacy of intellectual curiosity and a quiet, steady kindness that will continue to guide those who knew him.

A memorial service will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Northern Westchester, 236 S. Bedford Road, Mount Kisco, NY, on March 21 at 3:00 p.m. All are welcome. His remains will be buried in a private service at a later date in Burial Hill, Pound Ridge. Donations in his memory may be made to The Pantry, nourishing Northern Westchester, by check to The Pantry, P.O. Box 834, Mount Kisco, NY 10549, or online at https://thepantryny.org.