Stephen F. Stears

Stephen F. Stears, 52, of Girard, died at home Sunday, July 5, 2009 after a brief illness. He was born March 24, 1957 in Dublin, Ireland, the son of Stephen A. and Christina (O'Connor) Stears, and had lived in the United States for over 20 years, becoming a citizen in 1996.

Mr. Stears had attended the J.D. Plunkett Vocational School in Ireland, where he studied carpentry and joinery. A master carpenter, he was also an accomplished butcher and cook. He belonged to the Eagles, the American Legion, ITAM, IFH, the Girard Multi-Generational Center, and enjoyed country music, NASCAR, comedies, and westerns.

He will be sadly missed by his parents, Stephen and Christina Stears of Dublin, Ireland; his wife, Robin (Courtney) Stears of Girard, whom he married August 22, 1987; two daughters, Katherine O. and Madeline E. Stears, both of Girard; four sisters: Yvonne (David) Austin, Lorraine (Liam) Corcoran, Christine Stears, and Orla (Keith) Finn, all of Dublin, Ireland; a brother, David (Marie) Stears of Dublin, Ireland; and many other family members and friends, on both sides of the Atlantic, who live to cherish his memory.

Services will be 6:00 p.m. Thursday, July 9, 2009 at McFarland & Son Funeral Home in Warren. Friends may call 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Per his request, cremation will take place following the services. Material contributions may be made in care of Katherine and Madeline Stears, 4 S. Lorain, Girard, Ohio 44420.

Arrangements are entrusted to McFarland & Son Funeral Services Co., 271 N. Park Ave., Warren, Ohio 44481. Please visit www.mcfarlandfuneral.com to view this obituary and send condolences.