Reginald Sears, retired parole deputy administrator

Reginald “Reggie” Sears, a retired parole deputy administrator, passed away Feb. 8, 2026.

He retired in 2004 after 30 years of state service.

He began his long career as a youth correctional counselor with the California Youth Authority in July 1974 at the Fred Nellis Youth Correctional Facility.

Then in April 1979, he promoted to parole agent at the Dewitt Nelson Youth Correctional Facility.

In 1985, he became the first African American public information officer at the Governor’s Office of Criminal Justice Planning. Later, in 1992, as a parole agent III, he was the first African American deputy parole administrator for the California Youth Authority’s Interstate Compact for Juveniles. He remained in this position until he retired in July 2004.

Life of learning, service

He was also passionate about learning. Sears attended the University of Southern California and the University of California, Los Angeles, earning a bachelor’s degree in creative writing. He continued post-graduate work at California State University (CSU)-Los Angeles and CSU-Sacramento.

Sears proudly served 50 years as a member of the Kappa Alpha Si Fraternity. He also served as a deacon at his church, the Breath of Life Seventh Day Adventist Church.

Services have already been held.

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