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The Stamford Fire Department announced the death of retired firefighter George Thomas Searles, Sr., a former Stamford and Shelton resident who died on Friday, June 8.
Born Feb. 5, 1934, Searles was a graduate of Stamford High School and went on to join the U.S. Navy in 1953 serving during the Korean War on the USS McGowan. Following his Navy tour, George went on to a 37-year career with the Stamford Fire Department where he served his hometown community.
Searles was pre-deceased by his parents Kenneth and Margaret Searles of Stamford. Also predeceased by his son George Thomas Searles Jr. (Tommy) as well as his siblings Dorothy Novakowski, William, Robert, John and Ken Searles.
Survivors include his loving wife Frances Casciari Searles (of 58 years); his son John Searles and wife Bonnie of Shelton; his daughter Mary Searles Allegrini and her husband Michael of Shelton and George’s grandchildren, Kyle, Hayley, Trevor, Tory (Searles), Jenna (Allegrini) and great-grandson Michael Bennett Searles.
A celebration of Searles’ life took place on Monday, June 18 at St. Joseph’s Church in Shelton.
“George was a giving man. Someone you could always count on,” Stamford Fire Capt. Philip Hayes wrote. “Family was the key to his life. His wife, children and grandchildren were his most important priorities. Always with the quick-witted response, his one-line zingers were amazing and his overall priceless sense of humor – he was just larger than life.
“A gentle soul and a gentle giant. An avid sports fan (Go Patriots!), fisherman, chess player, history buff and master craftsman in woodworking (having built many winning cars for the Pinewood Derby Races.) He always was a man of service and dedication in anything he set his mind to. He will be so greatly missed.”
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