Morton M. Pear
July 9, 1935–September 18, 2023
It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of a patroller who was a friend and supporter of most of us in the CT Region. Morton (Morty) Pear, NSP 134683 passed September 18, 2023. He was a longstanding member of the Powder Ridge Patrol (joined in 1987) and skied until just two years ago. He will be greatly missed.
Morton “Morty” Pear, 88, was born in Middletown, CT, in 1935 and 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, and pneumatics on 21 airplanes, RF84Fs and T33As. 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, and volleyball for the United Synagogue League and in the community. An active Elks (Lodge 771) member for approximately 40 years, he received the Citizen of the Year Award in 2013/2014, the 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 Ski Area, receiving the Eastern Division Patroller Achievement Award in 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 and was 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 in 2019. He received the William Pomfret Veteran of the Year Award from the Middletown Chamber of Commerce in 2018. The biggest honor for him was receiving The Legion of Honor Humanitarian Award from The Chapel of the Four Chaplains in 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 were at Congregation Adath Israel Synagogue, Middletown CT. A burial at Adath Israel Cemetery with full military honors. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Special Olympics, Middletown D.A.V. Chapter 7, or Congregation Adath Israel Synagogue.
Skip Mudge
CT Region Director
