William O. Sears

William O. “Billy” Sears was born on April 10, 1947, in Burlington, Vermont, the only child of Richard Nelson Sears and Ruth Wade. He grew up in Winooski and Burlington, graduating with the first class from the newly built Burlington High School. While still in high school, he met Claudie, his future wife, at a rollerskating carhop stand. Their marriage lasted nearly thirty years, during which they raised five children and fostered many more in their Milton home. Billy coached his sons’ hockey teams, attended his daughter’s dance recitals and athletic events, served on the Milton School Board, and fiercely advocated for his disabled daughter’s needs. He carried his youngest, “Smally Pauly,” with him nearly everywhere, and his children still smile at the memory of him arriving home from the firehouse with a dozen doughnuts and then napping on the couch.

After serving in the Navy during the Vietnam era, Billy began a distinguished career with the Burlington Fire Department that spanned 43 years—the longest tenure in the department’s history. What began as a job became a deep brotherhood; the firefighters were the brothers he never had as a child and the extended family that sustained him throughout his life. He was known for his humility and quiet strength. Though intensely private, he carried the weight of difficult calls with gentleness, especially when delivering heartbreaking news to families, including his own daughter.

Billy had a lifelong passion for antiques, vintage items, and classic cars. He loved car shows, flea markets, estate sales, and auctions, often bringing his children along. What felt like an endless series of stops in their youth became, in adulthood, cherished lessons in resourcefulness, quality, and respect for history. In his later years, he found joy and companionship with his special partner, Ilene. Together they shared a love of treasure hunting, family gatherings, and their favorite flea market.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his former wife Claudie, and his daughter Jessy. Billy is survived by his sons Robert Sears, Joseph Sears and partner Jess, Paul Sears and wife Melissa, and his daughter Andrea Dion and husband Jeff. He was the proud grandfather of seven—Jordan, Lo, Tya, Olivia, Cameron, Cooper, and Warren—and great-grandfather to Grazelynn. Known affectionately as “Uncle Bully” to many nieces and nephews, he also touched the lives of 45 foster children. He leaves behind a close circle of friends from the Milton community who shared countless diner dinners, Sunday coffees, and adventures hunting for treasures.