Obituary for William Charles Pierce
William Pierce, beloved husband of JoAnne died peacefully in his home on January 21, 2024. He was born in Oakes, North Dakota on January 23, 1935 to George and Cecilia Pierce. Following high school, he served four years in the Coast Guard before beginning his studies at the University of North Dakota. He and JoAnne were married, and moved to Canton in 1960, where they raised their three children. Bill pursued a career in computers as a systems analyst and data processor.
Bill loved baseball as a player, coach and enthusiastic fan. He led his high school team to a state championship in 1953, and later coached numerous teams in Canton. He loved all sports, and he was a huge fan of the UConn basketball teams.
Bill and JoAnne were avid travelers, going to Europe numerous times as well as traveling to China, Japan, and throughout the United States. He was also very interested in genealogy and had traced the Pierce family prior to the American revolution.
Bill loved his family and visiting with his children, grandchildren and great-granddaughter. He will always be remembered as the perfect gentleman who could strike up a conversation with anyone, always made sure everyone’s glass was full, and that everyone was enjoying themselves.
In addition to his loving wife of 65 years, he is survived by his daughter Julie of Bloomfield, CT, his son John (Deborah) of New Hartford, CT, and his son Eric (Heather) of Troy, MI. He is also survived by his grandchildren Dillon Pierce (Toni) and their daughter Havana, Seth Pierce and his partner Lara Hunz, Randall Pierce, Amelia Pierce, and step-granddaughter Kay Rodgers. Bill is survived by his sister, Margaret Retzlaff of Oakes, ND, sister-in-law Katherine Pierce of Minneapolis, MN, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother Richard Pierce and granddaughter, Stella Pierce.
A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Monday, January 29th at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church, 50 Church Street in Collinsville, CT. A private graveside service will be held at a later date. Donations may be made to St Patrick’s Church, or a charity of the donor’s choice. The Vincent Funeral Home of Canton is caring for the arrangements. Please visit Bill’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online tributes.
Bill loved baseball as a player, coach and enthusiastic fan. He led his high school team to a state championship in 1953, and later coached numerous teams in Canton. He loved all sports, and he was a huge fan of the UConn basketball teams.
Bill and JoAnne were avid travelers, going to Europe numerous times as well as traveling to China, Japan, and throughout the United States. He was also very interested in genealogy and had traced the Pierce family prior to the American revolution.
Bill loved his family and visiting with his children, grandchildren and great-granddaughter. He will always be remembered as the perfect gentleman who could strike up a conversation with anyone, always made sure everyone’s glass was full, and that everyone was enjoying themselves.
In addition to his loving wife of 65 years, he is survived by his daughter Julie of Bloomfield, CT, his son John (Deborah) of New Hartford, CT, and his son Eric (Heather) of Troy, MI. He is also survived by his grandchildren Dillon Pierce (Toni) and their daughter Havana, Seth Pierce and his partner Lara Hunz, Randall Pierce, Amelia Pierce, and step-granddaughter Kay Rodgers. Bill is survived by his sister, Margaret Retzlaff of Oakes, ND, sister-in-law Katherine Pierce of Minneapolis, MN, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brother Richard Pierce and granddaughter, Stella Pierce.
A Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 AM on Monday, January 29th at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church, 50 Church Street in Collinsville, CT. A private graveside service will be held at a later date. Donations may be made to St Patrick’s Church, or a charity of the donor’s choice. The Vincent Funeral Home of Canton is caring for the arrangements. Please visit Bill’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com