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:

Aria Cremation Service and Funeral Home

19310 Preston road

Dallas, Texas 75252