Donald E. Mears, Commercial Fisherman, Charter Boat Captain, Dies At 80

Courtesy of Maxwell Funeral Home:

Donald E. Mears, 80, of Barnegat Light, passed away at home on Friday, Aug. 29, 2014 surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Newark, he lived in Forked River before moving to Barnegat Light. After retiring, he spent his winters in Marathon, FL. He was a communicant of St. Francis Church in Brant Beach, NJ.

Donald was a Machinist Mate Second Class in the US Navy from 1952 to 1956 and served two tours on the Mediterranean Sea. He lived his life on the water as a commercial fisherman. After retirement, he worked as a charter boat captain. He was a former member of the Blue Waters Fisherman’s Association, Garden State Seafood and the Marathon Elks Club.

He was predeceased by his parents, Clara and Harold; brother, Robert and beloved son, James Mears. He is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Frances Mears (née Guido); son, Dan and wife June of Barnegat Light; daughter, Beth Anne Schofield and husband Jim of Barnegat, and son, Rick and wife Sheena of Eagleswood. He is also survived by brother, Harry Mears of New Hampshire; sister, Patricia Faulkner of Maryland and grandchildren, Jessica, Dan, Justin, Stephanie, Vanessa, Amanda, Kaitlin, Julia, Matthew, and Dylan, plus many nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, September 3, 2014 at 11 a.m. at St. Francis of Assisi R.C. Church, 4700 Long Beach Blvd. in Brant Beach. Viewing hours will be held on Tuesday, September 2 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and o and Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Maxwell Funeral Home, 573 Mill Creek Rd., Manahawkin.

For driving directions or to send condolences please go to www.maxwellfuneralhome.com In lieu of flowers please make donations to Fishermen’s Story Memorial Fund, PO Box 388, Barnegat Light, NJ 08006.