Norris Anthony William Shears

Norris Anthony William Shears, 79, of Uniondale, New York, also known as Tote, was born on March 31, 1945, in La Digue, St. Andrews, Grenada. He was the son of Norbert Shears and Linda Browne Shears and was the second oldest of nine children. He was not just a brother but a father figure to his younger siblings. They credit him with being stern and straight to the point but caring. Norris graduated from St. Andrews Anglican Secondary School in Grenada. He played football, where he excelled as a goalkeeper. He also played cricket and participated in track and field. As a young boy, he enjoyed fishing in the Great River and dreveying in the Dandacaio. He was a strong-minded, kind, caring, direct man who was fun to be around. Growing up, everyone wanted to be his friend. Norris and Joan Shears nee Pascal knew each other as kids, but they grew closer because their mothers were friends. In 1967, Joan migrated to England to study nursing, while Norris remained home teaching at St. Giles Anglican School. After arriving in the United States, he studied at New York City College of Technology and Baruch College. He earned a bachelor’s in finance in 1978, graduating with honors. Norris and Joan reunited in New York, living together until she said, “Listen, Mister - no more free milk!” When asked where they reunited, she proudly replied, “42nd Street”! …we think she meant Port Authority on 42nd Street in New York. Norris and Joan wed on September 4, 1971, in Queens, NY, attended by many family and friends. This union produced three children: Andy, Allan, and Melissa. Norris doted on his children, bringing dresses home for Melissa every day as a baby, coaching the boys’ soccer teams, and attending all their sporting and musical events. He was a father figure to many of their friends and, as the neighbors called him, “the father of the block.” He started his employment in New York at the Electrical Testing Lab (ETL) as a report writer, then began his career in finance at National Securities. He retired from HSBC Bank as a Bank Officer. In retirement, he continued to provide accounting advice and offered tax services to anyone who askedNorris especially loved sports, particularly football, gardening, and grilling. Not to mention retelling stories of his childhood adventures in Grenada. He cherished watching his beloved Knicks, all while cursing them every time they messed up - so the whole time. He loved entertaining family and friends, debating politics and current events, and reading. He loved to challenge his mind, so after reading his newspaper in the morning, he moved over to the living room couch to work on his Sudoku puzzle. For the first time, this past Thanksgiving, Norris had the honor of hosting all three children, their spouses, and his grandchildren. They broke bread, shared laughs, and praised the Lord for the gift of togetherness. This special Thanksgiving created precious memories that will never fade. Norris was President of Unity Temple of Christ in Laurelton, Queens, NY before becoming a member of the Unity Church of Christianity, Valley Stream, NY. He enjoyed reading the Bible, conversing about scripture, writing devotionals, praying with Joan, and ministering to others. His faith in God never wavered, even at the very end. Their love grew stronger and stronger over 53 years of marriage. Their love, strength and faith kept her by his side for the seven weeks he was in the hospital. He took his last breath at St Francis Hospital at 5:35 am, Thursday, January 30, 2025. Remaining to cherish Norris’ memory are wife, Joan; children, Andy (Christel), Allan (Michelle), and Melissa (Patrick Bonsu Sr.); grandchildren, Keziah, Patrick Jr., and Ariannah; brother, Derek (Sharlene); sisters, Stephanie (Dennis Comma), Maureen (Georgie Kruythoff), Myrna (preceded by Clement Wynne), and Paula. Brother-in-laws Cornelius Layne (preceded by Cynthia), Ralph Coard (preceded by Jean), Alex Pascal (Joyce), Ralph Pascal, Edrick Pascal (Velma). Sister-in-laws Elma Cruickshank (preceded by Theo), and Shelia Hazzard. Left also to mourn are his close buddies Roosevelt Williams, Flash (George Sylvester), Dubs (Dennis St Cyr), Raymond Rush and Speeda (Richard Lewis), as well as a host of nieces, nephews, godchildren and friends. Preceding Norris in death are his parents, Norbert and Linda Shears; brothers, Oscar Shears (Marilyn), Lennard Shears, and Cecil Lessey (Patty Vincent); and nephew, Squenky (Montego Shears). Also remembering Norris are the families of the Shears, Donovan, Connaught, McGuire, and Pascal, as well as the friends and families of Grenada. Special thanks to Marilyn Bishop who supported Joan during this difficult time. Saying goodbye to Norris is not easy but God was ready for his humble servant to return home. He has touched many lives and left many memories for others to cherish for a lifetime.

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