John J. Pierce

John Joseph Pierce of Valhalla, NY passed away peacefully on November 11 surrounded by loving family. He was 82 years old. His proudest titles were Father to Michael (Nora) Pierce of Hawthorne NY,  Christopher (Sally) Pierce of Mount Kisco NY, Dennis (Tabitha) Pierce of Appleton WI, Julie (Sean) Lonergan of Thornwood NY. Adoring Grandfather to Kelly and Kristin (Pierce), Stefania, Nicholas, Matthew, and Victoria (Pierce), Aria, Emily, Zoe, Tobias, and Elliott (Pierce), and Kathryn, Patrick, Brendan, and Madison (Lonergan). Brother to Thomas (Kay) Pierce of Greenwich CT,  and longtime companion of Vicky Baker of Elmsford NY.

A lifelong educator, he served for over 30 years in the Dobbs Ferry School District as a guidance counselor helping countless students navigate their futures and through all kinds of crises.  An avid golfer and sportsman, he was ‘Coach” to a number of football and baseball teams, and a regular on the sidelines for whatever sport or concert his children and grandchildren were participating in.

A lover of the outdoors, he saw the beauty in nature and took regular walks throughout sites in Westchester and tended his garden. His sense of humor and gifted storytelling allowed him to make friends wherever he went.

In true Irish style, he was able to face years of difficult medical problems with resolve, humor, a smile through tears, and a positive spirit. A regular at daily mass at Holy Name of Jesus, where he attended since an adolescent, his faith was important to him. He always ended conversations with his family by saying ‘I love you, bye for now’.

Funeral Services are under the direction of Hawthorne Funeral Home, 21 W Stevens Ave, Hawthorne, NY 10532.