Nancy was an extraordinary educator who brought beautiful energy and enthusiasm to our school every day. The students loved her deeply because she always went the extra mile for them. As her coworker, I will always cherish her personal kindness, especially the days she would bring flowers to my desk just to make me smile.

It is with great sadness that I write these words. Nancy Gear was a friend and a mentor, not only to me, but also to the countless students she helped throughout the years, especially those in the ESL population. Nancy worked tirelessly with ESL students, understanding that they needed so much support, patience, and, most importantly, empathy. She had a genuine ability to make students feel heard, understood, and supported. Her compassion and dedication touched the lives of so many students and colleagues. Nancy will be deeply missed, but her kindness, guidance, and the impact she made on the education of so many students will never be forgotten. My deepest condolences to her son, whom she spoke about so fondly and dearly. I hope he finds comfort in knowing how deeply Nancy was loved and appreciated by so many whose lives she touched.

She was an amazing person and she was deeply loved by family and friends. RIP my dear friend❤️

Nancy was one of the sweetest souls on this earth. Her passing is the world’s loss. She was truly an amazing person.

We stumbled upon Rhododendron State Park in Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire, entirely by lucky chance during one of our road trips to Massachusetts. She adored spontaneous road trips and immersing herself in the beauty of nature. Watching her pause on the trail to lean in and gently smell the blossoms showed exactly who she was—so deeply tender and gentle, leaning close without disturbing a single petal, as if mindful not to hurt the blossom's soul. She was a true flower fairy in every sense, living in complete harmony with the living world around her.

Upstate NY at Baker Road was always one of her favorite places to be, especially when it came to watching the backyard wildlife. She’d sit outside with a bird book in one hand and binoculars in the other, completely fascinated by every feathered visitor that stopped by the feeder. Of course, the local squirrels loved the feeder just as much as the birds did, turning birdwatching into an ongoing rivalry. Before mounting a new squirrel-stopping cone onto the post, she couldn't resist trying it on as a hat first, flashing that priceless, witty smile. It captured her playful spirit perfectly—curious, hilarious, and always finding pure joy in the simple moments of nature.

Cape Cod kitchen magic: carving "dancing carrots" to make her beloved grandkids smile before dinner.

A heavenly sunset in North Haven, taking in nature's beauty side by side with family and loved ones. A quiet, perfect moment where time seemed to stand still.

New London days with our sweet "Birdie." We picked up a red cardinal mitten for her—matching those bright, beautiful eyes—and caught this perfect moment of her spreads her wings and attempting to fly.

I have just learned with great sadness of the passing of Professor Nancy Gear. She was an exceptional educator who was deeply committed to supporting and encouraging international students. I am personally grateful for the kindness, encouragement, and support she always extended to me.
My heartfelt condolences go to her family, colleagues, students, and the entire Bronx Community College community. May her legacy as a dedicated educator and compassionate mentor be remembered with gratitude and respect.

Mohamed Hamoud

Nancy was a long time family friend and I can’t remember when I didn’t know her.  I inherited her doll house furniture and always looked up to her. Her parents and my parents were good friends for as long as I can remember. 
Although we saw each other infrequently in later years, when we met in Ocean Park Maine, it was like no time had passed and you could always be sure of a strong hug.
My love and sympathy to her family and friends. Nancy was one of a kind in the best possible way.
Cindy Fox Paradis

Professor Gear was my ESL 03 professor when I first began my academic journey at BCC. From the day we first met, we had a very strong connection. She welcomed me with open arms to the college and made my first semester a truly memorable one.

It was because of her dedication and encouragement that I was able to move out of remediation so promptly after my first semester at the college; something that was not very common. Professor Gear saw potential in me and worked closely with me, always making sure I had the support I needed to move forward.

Our relationship never changed. Whenever we saw each other, we always greeted one another as if we were old friends. She did so much for so many of us at BCC, and I will be forever grateful for the impact she had on my life and my academic journey.

Her passion for teaching, her commitment to her students, and her genuine desire to help others never went unnoticed. She was truly special, and I feel fortunate to have been one of the many students whose life she touched.

May Professor Gear rest in peace. She will always be remembered with gratitude, admiration, and love.

My Condolences and Deepest sympathy to the Family.

While many of us are still absorbing this loss, I wanted to take a moment to recognize Professor Gear's contributions to Bronx Community College and the countless students and colleagues whose lives she touched throughout her years of service. As an educator, mentor, and member of our academic community, she helped shape the experiences of generations of many BCC students through her commitment to teaching and learning. She also was a mentor to junior and senior faculty members like me when I first arrived at BCC in 1993. That smile was contagious.

LaRoi Lawton - Library

Nancy was an amazing colleague who acted as a mentor to many students. Her work as an ESL teacher at Bronx Community College was a calling. She was full of life and a kind woman.
Condolences to her son of whom she spoke with great love.
She will be missed by many.
Sandra H. Tarlin

OBITUARY

Nancy F. Gear

August 24, 1946 – August 14, 2026

Nickerson Funeral Home

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