Irving J. Searles
Founder of Searles Seals Service
TEWKSBURY: Irving J. Searles, age 85, a resident of Tewksbury for more than 50 years, passed away at Brookdale Assisted Living in North Chelmsford on Tuesday, May 9, 2017.
He was the beloved husband of Elizabeth J. (Secrist) (McCullock) Searles, who passed away December 1, 2012, and the late Claire L. (St. Onge) Searles, who passed away in 1969.
Born in Cambridge on July 5, 1931, he was the son of the late Albert and Jennie (Richard) Searles.
Irving was raised in Boston, and attended Boston Public Schools.
Mr. Searles worked for Lombard Brothers Trucking Company and later founded and operated Searles Seals Service in Tewksbury.
He enjoyed traveling with his late wife to Las Vegas, dining out with his family, tinkering with cars and trucks, reminiscing with friends, and telling jokes.
Irving is survived by ten children, Craig Searles of Center Harbor, NH, Colleen A. Leach of Nashua, NH, Irving J. Jr. of Merrimack, NH, Robin D. Rutledge of Nashua, NH, Michael A. Searles of Meredith, NH, Nancy A. Parent of Nashua, NH, Lori C. Cavanaugh of Lawrence, Robert A. McCullock of Chelmsford, Joseph A. Searles of Lowell, and Jennie L. Foote of Lawrence. He also leaves 22 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Irving was the brother of the late Edna Cotter, Irene Lecuyer, Ellen Johnson, Lee Healey, Albert, Edward and George Searles.
Calling hours are Sunday, May 14, from 4-8 p.m., at the Farmer & Dee Funeral Home, 16 Lee St., Tewksbury. Funeral services will be held Monday, May 15, at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment to follow at Tewksbury Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 480 Pleasant St., Watertown, MA 02472 or to the M.S.P.C.A.-Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844.