Pierce Obituaries

All of the following obituaries have been kindly submitted by Pam Weaver unless otherwise noted. She would welcome contact with anyone interested in this family.

From Ontario County Times January 1894

The funeral of Mrs. Roena Pierce, who died at the home of her son, William Pierce, in Canandaigua on Friday December 20, was held in the Universalist Church Sunday at 1 o'clock. Rev. H. J. Orelup officiating.

* Note: This is typed as it appeared. Her name should have been spelled Rowena. She is buried at Baptist Hill Cemetery in Bristol with her husband, William H. Pierce (1818-1868).

See family photo

See photo of William & Rowena Pierce taken before 1869

Burial stone of William and Rowena Pierce - Baptist Hill Cemetery

From Daily Messenger May 22, 2001

CAMERON E. PIERCE

Cameron E. Pierce, age 77, formerly of 190 Parish Street, died Monday, May 21, 2001 at Elm Manor Nursing Home.

He is survived by his daughter, Cheryl (J. T.) Aldridge of Boston, Mass.; his son Bruce (Diana) Pierce LCDR CEC USN-Ret. of New Bern, N.C.; his brother Irmin (Pauline) Pierce Jr. of Tyngsboro, Mass., and several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife, Marjorie, in 1996 and his brother Sherwood "Bill" Pierce and four sisters Virginia Vecchi, Shirley Brown, Marcia Sage and Beverly Eiseline.

Mr. Pierce was born in Canandaigua. He attended Canandaigua schools and graduated from Canandaigua Academy in 1941. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War Two, serving in the Pacific Theater. Mr. Pierce retired in 1979 after 37 years with the New York State Department of Audit and Control in Rochester.

There will be no prior calling hours. His funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 30 at 7:00 pm at the John C. Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 47 North Main Street, Canandaigua. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Canandaigua Emergency Squad, P.O. Box 385, Canandaigua, NY 14424 or to the Ontario-Yates Hospice, 750 Pre-Emption Road, Geneva, NY 14456-1336.

Note: Cameron E. Pierce was the son of Irmin Lawton Pierce and Isabelle Fox.

From Ontario County Journal December 1918

CLARENCE B. PIERCE
GEORGE KENNETH PIERCE

The deaths of Clarence B. Pierce and only son Kenneth Pierce, cast a gloom throughout the vicinity and the bereaved family is receiving the sympathy of their many friends. Death was due to influenza. Clarence Briggs Pierce passed away at Memorial Hospital on Friday night, following a weeks illness. He was born in Gorham, a son of George W. and Fannie Francis Pierce, April 19, 1890. He was married to Elva Bernice Bliss at Bristol on April 19, 1911. George Kenneth Pierce was born on December 13, 1912. His death occurred on Sunday. He was a bright and lovable lad and gave great promise of growing to useful manhood. They has resided in South Bloomfield for two years. Mr. Pierce leaves his widow, Mrs. Elva Bliss Pierce, of South Bloomfield; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. George W. Pierce, two brothers and four sisters, Irmin, Howard, Ruth and Marion Pierce , Mrs. George Conyne of Canandaigua, and Mrs. Earl Case of Rochester.

From unknown newspaper August 15, 1929

DANIEL W. PIERCE

Daniel W. Pierce, aged 77 years, a lifelong resident of Ontario County died at his home in Phoenix Street this morning following a several years illness. He was born in Bristol and had resided there 27 years. His wife, Madeline Rogers of Michigan, died four years ago. Deceased leaves three sons and two daughters, Perry R. Pierce, Roy C. and William C. Pierce, Miss Lena B. Pierce and Mrs. Lulu P. Farnsworth all of this city. Five brothers, Leighton, George and Melvin of Canandaigua, James Pierce of Bristol, and Benton Pierce of Reed Corners. Eight grand children and one great-grandaughter. Interment in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Death certificate of Daniel W. Pierce

His wife:

From unknown newspaper October 6, 1925

MRS. MADELINE PIERCE

Mrs. Madeline Pierce, aged 76 years, wife of Daniel W. Pierce, died at the home of her son, Roy C. Pierce, in West Gibson Street, last evening following a lingering illness. Deceased was born in Michigan November 17, 1848. She had been a resident of Canandaigua 24 years. She leaves three sons and two daughters, Perry R. Pierce, Roy C. Pierce, with whom she made her home, William C. Pierce, Miss Lena Pierce and Mrs. Lulu Farnsworth, all of Canandaigua.

Funeral services will be held from the home Friday at 2:30, Rev. Stephen S. Pratt of the Methodist Church officiating. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.

See family photo

From unknown newspaper, unknown date

Police Chief's Father Dies; Bristol Native

Roy C. Pierce, 73, father of Police Chief Leland W. Pierce, died Friday night (July 17, 1953). Mr. Pierce was born in Bristol Aug. 20, 1879, the son of Daniel and Madeline Carpenter Pierce. He was a life long resident of this area and for the past two years had served as gardener and caretaker at the Tuttle estate, Howell St. He and his wife, Mrs. Julia Farnum Pierce, had made their home at 116 Howell St. Mr. Pierce was a former member of the Independent Order of Oddfellows.

Survivors include his wife; two other sons, Stuart J. Pierce, Canandaigua, and Alvin H. Pierce, Mexico, N. Y.; two sisters, Miss Lena Pierce and Mrs. Lulu Farsworth, both of Canandaigua; one brother, William Pierce, Canandaigua, 10 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Friends may call at the Kennedy Funeral Chapel Sunday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Funeral services will be held from the funeral chapel Monday at 2 p.m. The Rev. Stephen S. Pratt, retired Methodist minister, will officiate. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.

[NOTE: typed as written in the paper. Son "Alvin H. Pierce" should be Elvin H. Pierce.]

The obituary for Roy C. Pierce was contributed by Michael P. Pierce; thank you, Michael.

See photos of Julia Farnum's family with military records

From the Canandaigua Daily Messenger 1951

GEORGE W. PIERCE, Nonagenarian, Dies at Home

George W. Pierce, 91, retired superintendent of Brigham Hall farms, died unexpectedly yesterday afternoon (Aug. 5, 1951) in the home of his son, Irmin L. Pierce, 76 Perry Place, with whom he resided. Although he had been in frail health, he had not been ill.

Born in Bristol April 19,1860, he was the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Pierce. He was married April 25, 1883 to Miss Fannie Francis of Bristol, who died in 1947. They lived in that town 10 years before moving to Canandaigua, where he served for 38 years as head of the Brigham Hall farms. He retired about 16 years ago. Mr. Pierce had been trustee of All Souls Universalist society for over 35 years and was always active in that denomination.

Survivors are four daughters, Mrs. Louis B. Cartwright and Mrs. Earl F. Case of Rochester, Mrs. George F. Conyne of Canandaigua, and Mrs. Marion P. Cade of Manchester. Two sons, Irmin L. and Howard S. Pierce of Canandaigua. Also19 grandchildren and 29 great-grandchildren.

Private funeral services will be held Wednesday from the Curtice Funeral Home, 344 North Main Street, where friends may call Tuesday afternoon and evening. The Rev. Donald B. F. Hoyt, pastor of the First Universalist Church Rochester, will officiate. The courtesy of no flowers has been requested by the family. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.

Photo of George and Fannie Pierce

See family photo

From unknown newspaper September 29, 1947 (probably Daily Messenger - Canandaigua);

MRS. FANNIE FRANCIS PIERCE

Mrs. Fannie Francis Pierce, 82, wife of George W. Pierce, 76 Chapin Street, died at her home this morning after a three week illness.

Born in Elyria, Ohio, September 12, 1865, she was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Francis , late of Bristol. On April 25, 1883 she was married to Mr. Pierce, then a resident of Bristol, and 10 years later moved to Canandaigua, where she had since resided. They celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary last spring. Mr. Pierce is retired superintendent of Brigham Hall farms. Mrs. Pierce was a member of All Souls Universalist Society and was active in affairs of the denomination as long as her health permitted.

Besides her husband, she leaves two sons and four daughters, Howard S. and Irmin L. Pierce, Mrs. George F. Conyne and Mrs. Alfred Cade of Canandaigua; Mrs. Earl Case and Mrs. Louis B. Cartwright of Rochester. Also 19 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Friends may call at the Curtice Funeral Home, North Main Street, from 2 pm Tuesday until Wednesday noon. Private funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon, the Rev. Nelson L. Lobdell, retired Universalist minister, officiating. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.

From unknown newspaper 1943

HENRY LEIGHTON PIERCE (1863-1943)

H. Leighton Pierce, 81, died at his home, 69 Bristol Street, last evening (May 31, 1943) after a six weeks illness.

For 47 years Mr. Pierce served as carpenter at Brigham Hall Hospital, retiring several years ago. He had lived in Canandaigua more than 50 years, having been born in Bristol, May 19, 1863, son of William and Rowena Carpenter Pierce.

Survivors are a son, John G. Pierce, one brother George W. Pierce, and a grandson John G. Pierce Jr., all of Canandaigua.

Funeral services will be Tuesday at 2 PM from the home, the Rev Stephen S. Pratt, pastor of Chapin Methodist Church officiating. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.

His wife:

From unknown newspaper 1916

IDA GILBERT PIERCE

The funeral services of Mrs. Ida Gilbert Pierce, whose death occurred of heart failure on Saturday, were held at the home on Adelaide Avenue on Monday. Rev George Wilson Scudder officiated. She was a useful and loyal member of the Universalist church and president of the Universalist Ladies Aid. Many beautiful floral pieces from neighbors and friends expressed the esteem in which she was held.

Deceased was born in Bristol Center, the daughter of John and Victoria Innse Gilbert, 55 years ago. She leaves her husband, Leighton Pierce, a son John Pierce, and a foster son Ray Fitzmorris of Buffalo. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.

See family photo

From Daily Messenger August 8, 1952

HOWARD S. PIERCE

Howard S. Pierce was found dead in his bed today at the Imperial Hotel, 19 Niagara Street.
It is believed that Mr. Pierce, a painter, had been dead about a day. Curtice Funeral Home is in charge of funeral arrangements.

Note: Howard Stephen Pierce was born April 20, 1884 in Bristol. He was married to Cora Goodrich. He is buried at Woodlawn Cemetery.

From Daily Messenger January 3, 1962

IRMIN L. PIERCE

Irmin L. Pierce, 75, died unexpectedly at his home, 76 Perry Place, today.

He was born in Bristol, October 16, 1886, the son of the late George W. and Fannie Francis Pierce. He had lived most of his life in Canandaigua and attended the local schools. He retired in 1947 after being employed for many years as custodian of the Canandaigua schools.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Isabelle Fox Pierce; four daughters, Mrs. Fred Eisline, Mrs. Anthony Vecchi, Mrs. William Sage, and Mrs. Robert J. Brown of Canandaigua; three sons, Irmin L. Jr. of Hingham, Mass, Cameron of Canandaigua, and Sherwood of Waterloo. 23 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Three sisters, Mrs. William Davis of Geneva, Mrs. Earl F. Case of Rochester and Mrs. George Conyne of Canandaigua. And several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call Thursday from 2-4 and 7-9 pm at the John C. Johnson Funeral Home where funeral services will be held Friday at 3:30 pm, the Rev Richard Bowan, pastor of the First Congregational Church officiating. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.

From unknown newspaper October 1935

JAMES HAMILTON PIERCE (1858-1935);

James H. Pierce, 77, retired farmer and lifelong resident of Bristol, died suddenly last evening at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Frank Gilbert, in Bristol. He leaves four daughters and two sons, Mrs. Gilbert, Mrs. George Clark and Carl Pierce of Rochester, Mrs. Dorothy Keyes of Scottsville, Elmer Pierce and Mrs. V. R. Hurlbutt of Canandaigua. Four brothers George W., Leighton, and R. Melvin of Canandaigua and Benton Pierce of Reed Corners. Also 16 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren.

The funeral will take place Thursday at 2 o'clock from the Gilbert home, the Rev Harry M. Wright, pastor of the Bristol Universalist church officiating. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Bristol.

His wife:

I do not have an obituary for her.

Helen A. Albro-Pierce

Died in 1915, She is also interred at Evergreen. Daughter of Stephen Albro and Betsey Gardner.

See family photo

From unknown newspaper August 8, 1937

ROBERT MELVIN PIERCE (1851-1937)

Robert Melvin Pierce, 86, of Bristol Court, lifelong resident of Ontario County and former town welfare officer, died last evening in Memorial Hospital, where he had been ill for several weeks.

Mr. Pierce was born in the town of Bristol January 9, 1851, son of William and Rowena Carpenter Pierce. He lived for 48 (?) years on his farm on the Cheshire Road, moving to Canandaigua 9 years ago to make his home with his daughter, Mrs. Mabel Sangster. He had served several terms as town welfare officer and was a charter member of the Canandaigua Grange.

Mr. Pierce's wife, Ida M. Pierce, died about 15 years ago. He leaves two sons and two daughters, Leon J. and Rollin M. Pierce, Mrs. Carlton McMillan and Mrs. Mabel Sangster all of Canandaigua. Also, three brothers; Benton T. Pierce of Reed Corners, Leighton and George W. Pierce of Canandaigua, 16 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

The funeral will be Wednesday at 2:30 from the home of Mrs. Sangster, 6 Bristol Court. The Rev Stephen S. Pratt, retired Methodist pastor officiating. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Bristol.

His wife:

From unknown newspaper October 28, 1922

MRS. IDA M. PIERCE

Mrs. Ida M. Pierce, aged 56 years, wife of R. Melvin Pierce, died suddenly of cerebal apoplexy at her home in Canandaigua town this afternoon. She leaves besides her husband, two daughters and two sons, Mrs. Carlton McMillan, Mrs. George Sangster, Leon and Rollin Pierce, all of Canandaigua.

Funeral services will be held from the home tomorrow at 2 o'clock, Rev. L. Taylor of the Congregational Church officiating. Interment will be at Baptist Hill.

See family photo

NOTE: Ida M. Pierce was the 3rd wife of Robert Melvin Pierce. His first wife was Minerva Hannah Andrews who died in 1875. They had a daughter, also names Minerva, who married Charles Knott. His second wife was Jennie L. Pierce, who died in 1883. They had a daughter, Jessie Elizabeth, who married Raymond Case.

From unknown newspaper November 16, 1938;

THOMAS BENTON PIERCE (1854-1938);

T. Benton Pierce, 84, former Reed Corners postmaster and Gorham town clerk on the Republican ticket for 39 years, died last evening in Thompson Memorial Hospital, where he had been ill for three months.

Mr. Pierce was born in Bristol, October 15, 1854, the son of William H. and Rowena Carpenter Pierce. He moved to Reed Corners 40 years ago. Besides his wife, he leaves two brothers, H. Leighton and George W. Pierce of Canandaigua.

Funeral services will be held from the Kennedy chapel on Bristol Street Monday at 2 o'clock, the Rev Stephen S. Pratt, pastor of the Chapin Methodist Church officiating. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.

His wife:

From unknown newspaper; Unknown date;

See family photo

MARY GILBERT PIERCE

At her home on Tuesday morning, occurred the death of Mrs. Mary Gilbert Pierce, aged 74 years, wife of T. Benton Pierce. Mrs. Pierce was born in East Bloomfield. She spent a few years in Michigan with her parents, returning to East Bloomfield, and from there moving to Reed Corners, where she spent the remainder of her life. Funeral service was held on Thursday afternoon at 1:30 at the home, and 3 o'clock at Woodlawn chapel in Canandaigua. O. H. Eyeman pastor of the Baptist church, of which she was a member, officiated. She leaves no near relatives except her husband, being the last of a large family. Mrs. Pierce will be missed in the church and W.C.T.U., as well as by a host of friends.

Note: Thomas Benton and Mary Pierce had no children.

From unknown newspaper

WILLIAM EUGENE PIERCE (1849-1926)

William Eugene Pierce, aged 77 years, of this city died this morning following a long illness. He leaves two sons, Harley L. and Ralph D. Pierce and one granddaughter, all of Los Angeles, Calif. Six brothers; George, Leighton, Daniel, and Melvin Pierce of Canandaigua, Benton Pierce of Reed Corners, and James Pierce of Bristol.

Funeral services will be held at Woodlawn chapel Wednesday at 3 o'clock, Rev. Nelson L. Lobdell of the Universalist Church officiating. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery.

See family photo

From unknown newspaper July 11, 1917

WILLIAM HENRY PIERCE (1856-1917);

Funeral services for William Pierce, who was killed in a fall from a scaffolding here yesterday, will be held from his late residence in South Pearl Street tomorrow at 2:30. Rev E. P. Wood of Albion, former pastor of the local Universalist church will officiate. Interment will be made in West Avenue Cemetery.

Besides his wife, Mr. Pierce leaves two daughters and five sons, Mrs. Bernard Farrant of Auburn, Miss Nellie Pierce of Rochester, Fred W. Pierce of Hartfort CT, Frank S., Charles Nathan and Glen E. Pierce of Canandaigua. Also seven brothers, Eugene, Daniel, George, and Leighton Pierce of Canandaigua city, Benton Pierce of Reed Corners, and Melvin and James Pierce of Canandaigua town.

His wife:

Unknown Newspaper 1924

ELIZA HUNN PIERCE

Mrs. William Pierce, aged 67 years, of Auburn, formerly of Canandaigua, died at her home yesterday. Death resulted from injuries which were caused by a fall downstairs on Monday.

Mrs. Pierce was well known in Canandaigua and had many friends here. She was an ardent church worker in this city before she moved to Auburn four years ago.

Funeral services will be held in the Congregational chapel Friday afternoon at 2:30, Rev D.E. Forbush officiating. Interment will be in West Avenue Cemetery.

Deceased leaves 5 sons, Frank Pierce of Canandaigua, Fred W. Pierce of Hartford, CT, William N. Pierce of Rochester, Charles and Glenn E. Pierce of Auburn, and Nathan Pierce of Batavia. One daughter , Mrs. Bernard Farrant of Auburn, and one brother Frank S. Hunn of Canandaigua.

See family photo

The Daily Messenger September 29,1995

Sherwood G. "Bill" Pierce

Sherwood G. Pierce, age 68, of Chapel St., Canandaigua, died yesterday September 28, 1995 unexpectedly at his home. He is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law, Vicki and Ted Wallace of Auburn, N.Y., Tracy and David Fitzgerald of Littleton, Colo., and Lynn Pierce-Morey and Michael Morey of Springwater, N.Y.; his son Joel Pierce of Canandaigua; nine grandchildren; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Irmin L. Jr. and Pauline Pierce of Tyngsboro, Mass., Cameron and Marjorie Pierce of Canandaigua; four sisters and a brother-in-law, Beverly Eiseline, Shirley Brown, Marcia and Sage all of Canandaigua, Virginia Vecchi of Salt Lake City, Utah. Mr. Pierce was predeceased by his wife Dorothy (Mumerow) Pierce in 1981.

Mr. Pierce was born in Canandaigua where he lived most of his life. He was a graduate of Canandaigua Academy, Class of 1945 and a U.S. Army veteran of World War 2. He was a graduate of the College of Forestry at Syracuse, Classof 1951. Mr. Pierce operated a gas station in Waterloo for several years and worked for Health Survey Consultants from 1962 to 1971. He was employed by Ontario County as district manager of three Soil and Water Conservation District retiring in 1990. Friends may call Saturday from 7-9 p.m. and Sunday from 2-4 pm at the John C. Johnson Funeral Home Inc., 47 North Main St., Canandaigua from where services will be held following calling hours Sunday at 4 pm. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the Canandaigua Emergency Squad.

*Note: Sherwood Pierce was the son of Irmin and Isabel Pierce.

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