Geoffrey Burr Stearns (“Harold”), 85, formerly of Chappaqua, New York, passed away peacefully from complications of Parkinson's Disease on March 4, 2026 at Cape Cod Hospital, with his family by his side. Born on January 15, 1941, in Attleboro, Massachusetts, Geoff was the son of the late Charles Herbert Stearns Jr. and Margaret Burr Stearns.
Geoff graduated from Mansfield High School in 1959 and earned 12 Varsity letters. He was inducted into the Mansfield High School Football Hall of Fame, the Mansfield Basketball Hall of Fame and Attleboro Area Basketball Hall of Fame. He attended Colgate University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in History in 1963. He continued his academic journey at Harvard University, where he obtained a Master of Arts in Teaching in 1965, followed by a Master of Arts degree from Clark University in 1968.
Geoff dedicated his life to inspiring young minds as an educator, mentor and coach at the youth and high school level. He was named NYS Section One Golf Coach of the Year in 2000. He taught history, economics, and Non-Western cultures including Africa, China, and Japan at Horace Greeley High School in Chappaqua for 33 years. He left an indelible mark on thousands of students in the classroom and as advisor to the student government organization. He served as Department Chairperson of Social Studies for several years. Geoff’s influence extended far beyond academics; he was a guiding force for students both on and off the field, often writing college recommendations for students he had impacted.
He traveled to Africa and Japan twice each on educational grants gaining knowledge and insight to share with his students. In retirement, he traveled with his beloved wife Susan and friends, including an African safari and historical sites throughout Europe. A voracious reader with an insatiable curiosity for knowledge, he spent countless hours immersed in nonfiction books from the three-volume Mark Twain autobiography to the works of David McCullough and many others. He was a historian through and through and had a book by his side to his dying day.
Geoff played in recreational softball and basketball leagues into his forties. An avid golfer and runner, Geoff played as many as 250 rounds of golf a year in retirement, carding two holes in one. He completed 11 marathons including NYC, Marine Corps and Cape Cod. His training included too many 10K runs to count and he was a fixture on the streets of Chappaqua on extended runs. Geoff’s love for sports was unwavering. He was a passionate fan of all Boston sports teams as well as Colgate and Harvard athletics. His favorite athletes were Larry Bird, Ted Williams and Jack Nicklaus but his greatest joy was watching his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren compete in sports from tee ball through high school and college lacrosse, rugby and track and field.
Above all else, Geoff will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, brother, educator, coach, and friend. His legacy is one of kindness, dedication, perseverance, loyalty and an enduring commitment to enriching the lives of others.
“Harold” is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Susan Bartlett Stearns; son Geoffrey Stearns (Lisa), daughter Heather Stearns Scozzarella (Philip); grandchildren Ashley Stearns Goldman (Jamie), Geoffrey Ryan Stearns (Abby); great-grandchildren George Goldman, Eloise Goldman and Winifred Stearns; along with brothers, Rodney Stearns (Connie), Selwyn Stearns (Donna); his brothers-in-law Weston Bartlett (Dee), Robert Ritz (Patience, deceased), sister-in-law Deborah Treicis (John) and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by brother-in-law and sister-in-law Wallace and Ann Bartlett.
A graveside service for family will take place on March 14, at Springbrook Cemetery in Mansfield, MA. A Celebration of Life for family and friends will be held on June 20, 2026, in Harwich, MA. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation or Family Pantry of Cape Cod.
Warm Summer Sun
BY MARK TWAIN
Warm summer sun,
Shine kindly here,
Warm southern wind,
Blow softly here.
Green sod above,
Lie light, lie light.
Good night, dear heart,
Good night, good night.