Nov. 30, 2001
 Lester
H. "Buster" Sheary, former Holy Cross basketball coach, died Nov. 30
at Holy Trinity Nursing Center in Worcester, at 93. Prior to his retirement in
1981, Mr. Sheary had been an assistant director in the athletic department of
the Worcester Public Schools for 41 years. From 1947 to 1955, he coached basketball
at Holy Cross, serving as assistant coach when the team won the NCAA basketball
championship in 1947, and as head coach in 1954 when the Crusaders won the National
Invitational Tournament in New York City. His record from 1948 to 1955 as head
coach was 155-36, with an 81.2 winning percentage.
Mr. Sheary also coached football and basketball at St. John's
High School and St. Peter's High School in Worcester; served
as an instructor for many years at Bob Cousy's summer camp
in New Hampshire; and coached international goodwill teams.
He was a member of the athletic halls of fame of many schools
and organizations, including Holy Cross, Catholic University,
St. Peter's High School, St. John's High School, the Boys
and Girls Club of Worcester and the Massachusetts High School
Football Coaches Association.
During World War II, Mr. Sheary served in the Navy.
A graduate of Catholic University in Washington, D.C., he
received his master's degree from Worcester State College.
Mr. Sheary is survived by two daughters; five grandchildren;
and a great-grandson.
Rev. Earle L. Markey, S.J., '53, associate director for
Jesuit Relations, Admissions Office and one of Sheary's former
players, delivered the eulogy at the funeral Mass held Dec.
4 at Our Lady of Rosary Church in Worcester.
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