STURBRIDGE : William D. Pierce 84, died Thursday April 6th in UMASS Medical Center after being stricken ill at home.
He leaves his wife of 57 years, Grace (Lillie) Pierce, two sons William and his wife Yvonne of Bolinas, CA., Richard and his wife Gerrie of Boylston, a daughter Elizabeth Ford of Villas, NJ., six grandchildren Heather, Rebecca, Ben, Raury, Kelley, William, a great granddaughter Leila and several nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by a brother George and a sister Virginia Lyons. Born in Randolph, he was the son of George and Annie (McNulty) Pierce and lived on Walker Pond in Sturbridge for the past 41 years.
Mr. Pierce was a Staff Sergeant in Marine Corps during WWII. He was a rifle sharpshooter with the Marine Wing Service Squadron in the Southwest Pacific. He participated in several special operations.
He was a salesman for Apollo Trucking Co. and previously worked for Quinn Freight Lines and Bowmen Transportation.
He was a member of the Sturbridge Senior Center and enjoyed fishing and bowling.
Calling hours are 7:00PM to 9:00PM, MONDAY April 10th in the Belanger-Bullard Funeral Home 51 Marcy St. Southbridge. Due to a family commitment the funeral will be held at 10:00AM WEDNESDAY April, 12, in the Belanger-Bullard Funeral Home. A Military Burial will be held at the Massachusetts Veterans Cemetery in Agawam, MA. An online guest book is available at www.BelangerFuneralHome.com