Retired Stamford firefighter dies at 84
STAMFORD — The city fire department remembered a retired member who died last week as a “gentle giant” and a man of service.
George Thomas Searles Sr. died at the age of 84, the department announced Saturday. He was a former Stamford resident and recently lived in Shelton. He was born on Feb. 5, 1934. He died Friday, June 8. Serles graduated from Stamford High School and then joined the U.S. Navy in 1953 and served during the Korean War on board the U.S.S. McGowan. After his tour with the Navy, Searles had a 37-year career with the Stamford Fire Department.
“Always with the quickwitted response, his oneline zingers were amazing and his overall priceless sense of humor — he was just larger than life. A gentle soul and a gentle giant,” the department wrote in a tribute to Searles.
The department said Searles was an avid sports fan, fisherman, chess player, master craftsman in woodworking and history buff.
“He always was a man of service and dedication in anything he set his mind to,” the department said. “He will be so greatly missed.”
Searles is survived by his wife of 58 years, Frances Casciari Searles; his son and daughter; his five grandchildren; his greatgrandson; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at the St. Joseph’s Church, 50 Fairmont Place in Shelton. Family and friends are invited to attend a luncheon immediately following the service at The Stone Barn at Whitney Farms on Route 110 in Monroe.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations made in Searles’ name to The Connecticut Hospice in Branford.