Richard J Pierce

Richard J. Pierce, age 92, a lifelong resident of North East passed away peacefully on June 4th, 2026 at his residence surrounded by his family on his mother's birthday.

He was born on August 13, 1933 in Erie, Pennsylvania to the late Marion A. and Martha R. (Rajala) Pierce.

Richard was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the United States Army as an engineer and medic.

He grew up working on the family dairy farm in North East, mastering the demanding and rewarding work of farming over the years. He was known for his incredible work ethic, his quiet wisdom, and his hands, which were never afraid of hard work. Richard also spent time in the vineyards pruning and harvesting grapes in North East.

A man of deep and abiding faith, Richard was the oldest member of the Greenfield Baptist Church. He found profound joy in his church family, his worship, and the community he was a part of for over 80 years. Richard was baptized at the church at the tender age of nine.

Richard always looked forward to lively mornings, especially enjoying breakfast conversation with his close friends at "Colt Station". When he wasn't relaxing with a good western or following his favorite sports, he loved being outdoors and casting a line on a fishing trip, especially in Canada. Richard was a devoted family man who cherished every moment spent with his loved ones and will be remembered for his warm, easygoing nature and his deep appreciation for the simple things in life.

He was preceded in death by love of his life, Beatrice Ielene (Herman) Pierce; daughter, Cynthia Diane Maines; and great-grandson, Tray.

Richard is survived by his sons, Richard C. Pierce (Sue) and Timothy Pierce; grandchildren, Jennifer (Mark), Terri, Sandra (Ray), Chad, Stacy (Earl), Jodi, Andy, Nathan (Julia), and Tricia (Nijel); great-grandchildren, Dakota, Katie, Kevin, Chloe, Dominick, Shaylyn, Reagan, Ian, Carlee, Isaac, Natalie, Layla, Owen, Myra, Olivia, and Theo; brother-in-law, John Carlson; and sister-in-law, Shirley Brown (Russ).

The family would like to extend a special than you to Bob and Alex of Interim Hospice for their compassionate care and dedication during Richard's illness. Most heartfelt gratitude to Tim, Dakota, and Jenn in caring for Dad for the last 9 years which allowed him to stay at home surrounded by the warmth of his family.

Friends and family may call at the William D. Elkin Funeral Home, 65 South Lake Street, North East on Thursday June 11th from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. and Friday June 12th from 11:00 a.m. until time of a funeral service at noon at the Greenfield Baptist Church, 9028 Williams Road, North East. Officiating the service is Pastor Dan Cass. Interment will be held at Greenfield Baptist Church Cemetery with Full Military Honors. Memorials may be made to the Greenfield Baptist Church. Please send condolence to elkinfh.com.

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