In Memoriam: Kingsley Sears

A Tribute from the Warren Symphony Orchestra

The Warren Symphony Orchestra mourns the passing of Kingsley Sears, a founding member, devoted board leader, and cherished friend whose commitment to the orchestra and to the cultural life of our community spanned decades.

From the earliest days of the Warren Symphony Orchestra, Kingsley played a vital role in shaping its mission and guiding its growth. As a founding member and longtime member of the Board of Directors, he brought insight, stability, and a deep belief in the importance of symphonic music as a cornerstone of community life. His leadership helped establish the orchestra as a lasting and respected cultural institution in the City of Warren.

Kingsley’s contributions extended well beyond governance. For many years, he generously shared his knowledge and love of music through thoughtfully written program notes, enriching the concert experience and helping audiences connect more deeply with the works being performed. His writing reflected both his musical scholarship and his desire to educate and engage the community.

Equally important was Kingsley’s unwavering philanthropic support. He was a very generous donor to the Warren Symphony Orchestra, giving consistently and quietly to ensure the orchestra’s financial health and long-term sustainability. His generosity was an expression of his profound belief that music should be accessible, meaningful, and enduring, and that the arts are essential to a vibrant community.

Beyond the orchestra, Kingsley’s lifelong dedication to music was evident throughout Warren. A founding member of the Warren Concert Band and The Warren Chorus, and a longtime choir director at Celtic Cross Presbyterian Church, he devoted more than eight decades to sharing music with others, continuing to perform well into his nineties.

The Warren Symphony Orchestra is deeply grateful for Kingsley Sears’ vision, leadership, and generosity. His legacy lives on in the institution he helped build, the audiences he educated, and the future of the orchestra he so faithfully supported. He will be remembered always as a steward of the arts and a true champion of community music.