James W. “Buddy” Pierce, retired owner of A.C. Kiley Barrel Co., died Saturday at his Medford home in the company of a loving family. He was 82.
Buddy was born and raised in Somerville, the son of the late James and the late Teresa (Buckley) Pierce. A veteran of World War II, Buddy served under General Patton in the Armored Division in the Battle of the Bulge. He was wounded from enemy fire and later was awarded the Purple Heart. After a six -month hospitalization in France he returned to the States. He was a life-member of the DAV and the Dilboy Post of the VFW.
Buddy worked 42 years as a barrel man, until his retirement in 1988. He was a partner in the former A.C. Kiley Barrel Co., Somerville. A member of “The Greatest Generation”, Buddy’s strong work ethic gave way to many happy years in retirement spent with family and friends.
He was the beloved husband of the late Mary E. (McMakin) Pierce. He was a devoted father to James “Bud” Pierce, Jr. and his wife Josephine of Medford, Mary E. Pierce of Medford and the late George E. and Frank A. Pierce. He was a cherished grandfather to Christine M., Michael F., Matthew J., and John J. “Jackie” Pierce. He was a dear brother-in-law to Ralph and Grace Wells of Medford and Pat Matola of Fla. He was the brother of Dorothy Schepegrell, Henry Pierce, Betty LaCount, Ann Cassidy, Joan DiPersio, Theresa Skaling, the late Irene Mulford, Richard and George Pierce.
Relatives and friends may visit Wednesday from 3 thru 8 at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered in St. Raphael Church, Medford, Thursday at 10 AM with the Rev. Fr. Kevin G. Toomey, presiding. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden.