Laroy Ernest Stearns, Jr.

Retired Norton Fire Department Captain Laroy Ernest Stearns, Jr., 86, of South Worcester Street, Norton, died on Sunday, November 4, 2012 at his residence surrounded by the love of family. He was the husband of Barbara May (Townsend) Stearns to whom he was married on April 11, 1953. Born in Attleboro, Massachusetts on June 27, 1926, he was a son of the late Laroy Ernest Stearns, Sr. and Elizabeth Mae (MacLehose) Stearns. He was raised in Attleboro where he resided until moving to Norton 70 years ago. Mr. Stearns proudly served in the United States Navy during the World War II era from January 24, 1946 until his honorable discharge in December 1947. He was the recipient of the World War II Victory Medal and the American Theatre Ribbon. Previously, Mr. Stearns was a United States Merchant Marine from April 1944 - December 1945. He was employed in the maintenance division of Augat, Inc. in North Attleboro for 20 years prior to his retirement in 1985. He had previously been employed at Texas Instruments in Attleboro for 16 years. Captain Stearns had a long and honorable service career devoted to the Town of Norton as a member of the Norton Fire Department from 1951 - 1978 and had achieved the rank of Captain within the department. A tireless volunteer for the community, "Captain", as we was affectionately known, spent much time with the Norton Engine 5. Prior to the Norton department, "Captain" served on the Virginia Beach Fire Department. He was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church in Attleboro. Mr. Stearns was a member of the Bristol Lodge AF & AM of the Masonic Order in North Attleboro. His favorite pastimes included time spent making bird houses and enjoyed trains. He loved everything related to fire prevention, departments and equipment. Mr. Stearns had a lifelong love for dogs and recently enjoyed spending time with his neighbor's dog that would approach his window and bark insistently until he gained the attention of his friend and demanded playful attention. In addition to his wife of 59 years, he leaves five children: Lucinda K. Stearns in Florida; Pamela E. Bennett of Norton; Laroy E. Stearns, III and his wife, Susan L. (Day) Stearns, of Norton; Penelope J. Moran and her husband, Richard Moran, of Maine and James E. Stearns and his wife, Dawn Stearns, in North Carolina; 11 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; a brother: Russell Stearns and his wife, Helen Stearns, in New York and several nieces, nephews, extended family, fellow firefighters and dear friends. He was the brother of the late Betty Stearns. Family and friends are cordially invited to attend visitation with Firefighter's Honors on Wednesday, November 7, 2012 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM in the "Memorial Chapel" of Dyer-Lake Funeral Home - the national historic Colonel Obed Robinson Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue (exit 5 off I-95 N or S, go right at end of ramp, mile on left), Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. For those in need of a local ride to visitation simply call the funeral home at (508) 695-0200 to make an advance reservation for such gratis transportation. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend the funeral with Firefighter's Honors immediately following visitation on Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at 7:00 PM from the "Memorial Chapel" of Dyer-Lake Funeral Home - the national historic Colonel Obed Robinson Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue (exit 5 off I-95 N or S, go right at end of ramp, mile on left), Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro with Rev. Marc Tremblay, Pastor of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church, Norton and Norton Fire Department Chaplain, officiating. Burial with military honors will be in the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne at a later date. Please do not send flowers. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mr. Stearns' name may be made to the Community VNA Hospice Care, 10 Emory Street, Attleboro, MA 02703. To send the family a written expression of sympathy or for additional information please visit www.dyer-lakefuneralhome.com . Arrangements are under the direction of the Dyer-Lake Funeral Home, 161 Commonwealth Avenue, Village of Attleboro Falls, North Attleboro. (508) 695-0200