SALEM – Richard A. Pierce Sr., age 79, died on March 26th after a brief illness. Born in Peabody and raised in Salem, he was the son of the late Roger R. Pierce Sr., and the late Ruth C. Daly Friedenthal.
Rick was known as a jack of all trades and was an excellent carpenter, and his handy work can be seen throughout Salem. In his early life he was a milkman with HP Hoods and his route covered Salem. He later became the Superintendent of The Salem Masonic Temple until the fire in 1982. He continued on to work for the City of Salem Park & Recreation Dept and retired as the maintenance man for the Fire Department. After retirement he worked summers at the Manchester Bath & Tennis Club as their grounds keeper and did many side jobs with Rick Pierce’s Windows, Doors and More .
Rick was very active and involved in many social clubs throughout Salem, most recently, the A.O.H. Div 18 in Salem and the I.A.C.C. in Peabody. He enjoyed spending time with his family, going on vacations and taking golfing trips with his buddies.
He is survived by two daughters, Diane and her husband Firefighter Daniel Saffer of Salem, Wendy Cloutier and her husband Darren of Salem, his son, Richard Pierce Jr., of Haverhill and was predeceased by his youngest son, Scott Pierce. He leaves 8 wonderful grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren as well as his companion of 38 years, Andrea David. He was the brother of the late Roger R. Pierce Jr. He leaves behind an extended circle of family and friends, was loved dearly and will be missed by all.
His funeral service will be held Saturday, April 1, 2017 at 12:30 pm in the Full-Spychalski Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Common, Salem. Visiting hours are Friday, 4 to 7 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association, 1 Union Street, #301 Robbinsville, NJ 08691-4183 (www.donate.heart.org) For on line guest book, visit www.SalemFuneral.com.