DANVERS — William B. “Bill” Pierce, 91, of Melrose, passed away peacefully in Danvers on Monday, February 23.
Mr. Pierce was born in Quincy on September 20, 1923, and was son of the late Vesta C. (Cogill) and Bevan W. Pierce. He was raised and educated in Weymouth, where he graduated from Weymouth High School. He entered the United States Navy after the attacks on Pearl Harbor, serving as an aviation machinist’s mate, and later as a combat air-crewman in the Seaplane Bomber Squadron VP202. Following an honorable discharge, Bill enrolled at Northeastern University where he met his wife Mattie. After taking evening classes while also working, he earned a bachelor of arts in 1952 and an MBA in 1960.
Bill was a longtime salesman and contract administrator in the electronics field. He worked for General Electric, Lockheed Industries, Electro Power Pack and finally retired from the Fiber Optic Testing Company in Cambridge. He also worked in accounting for a period of time for Boston Moving and Storage. A tireless worker, Bill worked multiple jobs to better support his wife and three sons.
In his free time, Bill loved working around the house. He enjoyed doing anything to improve the look and feel of his home, especially painting. He also loved playing golf and tried for many years to get better to no avail. He also enjoyed many days digging for clams on Crane’s Beach in Ipswich.
Bill was a long-time member of Trinity Episcopal Church and the Harold O. Young VFW Post number 2394. Later in life, he reconnected with fellow Navy seaplane veterans through his membership in the Mariner/Marlin Seaplane Association. He cherished the many relationships he had with other veterans and reveled in sharing stories and experiences from their joint time in the service.
Bill was the beloved husband of the late Sarah “Mattie” (Murray) Pierce. He was the devoted father of David B. Pierce of Danvers; Barry W. Pierce of Mesa, Arizona; and Stephen R. Pierce of Lowell. He is also survived by many cousins.
Relatives and friends gathered in honor and remembrance of Bill’s life at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose during visiting hours on Thursday, February 26, and for his funeral service celebrated at Trinity Church, 131 W. Emerson St., Melrose on Friday at 9:30 a.m. Interment with military honors by the U.S. Navy at Mt. Wollaston Cemetery, Quincy. For directions, online tribute or to share a memory, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
