Richard T. Pierce

Richard Taylor “Dick” Pierce, age 89, of Wilmington, DE went peacefully to his Lord surrounded by family on July 15, 2015. Born April 9, 1926 to William and May Pierce (Powell), Dick grew up in Lenni, PA and graduated from Media High School. In 1944 Dick joined the Navy, following his five older brothers into service in WWII. While he was serving as a radio operator on the bridge of the USS Intrepid, a Kamikaze pilot dove into the flight deck, killing 8 and wounding 21. True to the resiliency of that great generation, the flames were extinguished and planes were landing again in three hours. Dick and Catherine moved to Claymont in 1959 where they raised their family. Dick retired from General Chemical in 1991 after 41 years as a chemical operator and supervisor. His dedication and passion in life was his family and the education of his children and grandchildren. Dick was a voracious reader and self educated man who took great pleasure in planning many family trips around the US, Canada and Bahamas. He also enjoyed shooting pool, fishing and watching his favorite teams, the Phillies and Eagles. His greatest joy recently was time spent with family and his cat “Cheeks”. Dick is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Catherine (Valentino) Pierce; his children, Christina Showalter, Esq. (David) and William David Pierce, M.D.; grandchildren: Ethan and Abigail Showalter, and Sophia and Grace Pierce; and two brothers: James Pierce and CDR. David I. Pierce. He was preceded in death by brothers: William, Harold, Barton, Francis, and Norman Pierce and sisters: Blanche Pierce and Lavinia Bonsall (Pierce). The family would like to thank the many dedicated staff members at Churchman’s Village who provided their husband/father kind and compassionate care the past few months. Their support was a blessing to all. A visitation will be held on Tuesday , July 21 from 6 to 8 pm at the Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home, 635 Churchmans Rd, Newark, DE 19702 and again on Wednesday, July 22 at 10 am followed by a service in celebration of Dick’s life at 10:30 am. Burial will follow at St. Francis de Sales Cemetery, 35 New Rd, Lenni, PA 19052. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Read-Aloud Delaware, 100 W. 10th St, Suite 309, Wilmington, DE 19801 For directions, or to send an online condolence, visit www.stranofeeley.com

Richard T. Pierce

April 9, 1926 - July 15, 2015

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