Morton Melvin Pear

Morton M. Pear

July 9, 1935 – September 18, 2023

Morton “Morty” Pear, 88, was born in Middletown in 1935. Passed on September 18, 2023, surrounded by love.

The world has lost a true treasure. A father, husband, partner, uncle, cousin, brother-in-law, friend, veteran, community service member, and all-around special man. A man committed to serving others.

He is survived by his son Michael R. Pear (Sheri), daughter Amy C Pear (June), and significant other, Kathleen McPherson. He is also survived by his three sisters-in-law, Eleanor Zarch, Noreen Zupnik, and Elizabeth “Betty” Pear, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Besides his parents, Morty is predeceased by his wife, Sheila L Pear, and brother Joel Pear.

He graduated from Middletown High School, then he enlisted in the United States Air Force. After completing flight instrument tech school, he was assigned to a Flight Recon Squadron at Shaw AFB, where he was responsible for the instrumentation, hydraulics, & pneumatics on 21 airplanes, RF84F’s and T33A’s. He was discharged in 1956, at the death of his father, to run the family business, Pear’s Kosher Market.

Morty was a member of the Adath Israel Synagogue. He was active in coaching softball, basketball, football, & volleyball for the United Synagogue League and in the community. He was an active Elks (Lodge 771) member for approximately 40 years, receiving the Citizen of the Year Award in 2013/2014, Outstanding Service Award in 2020 for the Veterans Kayaking Program, and an award for vision and dedication to the Elks Veterans Kayaking Program in 2023.

Morty began ski patrolling in 1987, actively patrolling at Haystack Mountain, Powder Ridge and Lakeridge Mountain, receiving the Patroller Achievement Award, Eastern Division, 2014 and Patroller of the year at Powder Ridge.

Morty was a medical volunteer with Special Olympics for about 30 years, which he felt filled his heart. He also volunteered with the City of Middletown Office of Emergency Management, Middletown Medical Reserve, and the Community Emergency Response Team. He was also a member of the American Legion in Middletown.

Morty was one of the founding and charter members of the Jewish War Veterans, Middletown, Post 51, holding the offices of Senior Vice Commander and Commander. An active member of the Middletown D.A.V. working on multiple veteran programs, including bridging the elks with the veterans to work on the Elks Disabled Veterans Kayaking Programs. Morty was inducted into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame (2019). He received the William Pomfret, Veteran of the year award, from the Middletown Chamber of Commerce, (2018). The biggest honor for him was receiving The Legion of Honor Humanitarian Award, from The Chapel of the Four Chaplains (2014).

In his spare time, he played softball in Middletown, coached women’s softball in Middletown and Cromwell, and enjoyed his role as Santa Claus in the community.

Services will be at Congregation Adath Israel Synagogue, Middletown CT, on Friday September 22, 2023, at 10:00AM.  A burial to follow at Adath Israel Cemetery where full military honors will be accorded.  In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Special Olympics, Middletown D.A.V. Chapter 7, or Congregation Adath Israel Synagogue.   To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.doolittlefuneralservice.com.

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