Harry Wallace Pierce, Jr.

RICHFIELD SPRINGS- Harry Wallace Pierce Jr. (Pete) age 73 passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning , May 18, 2022, in his home.  He had the support and comfort of his loving family at his side.  Harry was born on June 1, 1948, in Cooperstown, son of the late Harry W. and Betty Lou Alpin Pierce.  A lifelong Richfield Springs resident he was educated in Richfield Springs Central School. At one time he was married to Diane Miller and had a close friendship with her through the years.  For many years he worked as a machinist at Shur-Catch in Richfield Springs until their closing.  He then went to work at the Otesaga Hotel Restaurant doing prep work in the kitchen.  He retired in 2012.  Harry was known as a people person with a great sense of humor.  In his leisure time, he enjoyed buying scratch-off tickets at his old hang-out the Red Apple, and currently at Stewarts. He could always be found in his booth, surrounded by his friends, enjoying a cup of coffee and good company. He loved his "second family" and the time he got to spend with them. He liked to follow sports, especially his favorite Atlanta Braves baseball team, a shared adoration with his son, Matthew, whom he loved to play catch with. He was an outdoorsman and liked to go hunting and most of all he loved to eat. Gathering with friends and family and sharing a meal was his favorite thing to do. He wanted everyone to know "I love people. I enjoyed living. I hate to go. I wish we had more time. We will meet again."  He will never be forgotten for his warmth and friendship to all he met and will be sadly missed.
Surviving him are two sons, Michael Anthony Pierce and his wife Sandra of Rome, Matthew Pierce Sr. and his wife Laura of Middleburgh, FL, and two daughters, Alisha Pierce and her significant other, John Nicotera of Richfield Springs, Alice May Pierce and her domestic partner, Eddie Herring of Deep Gap, NC, and one brother, David "Mike" Pierce of Richfield Springs, two sisters, Joann Long of Bowie, MD, Thelma Beecher of Richfield Springs, nine grandchildren, Alyssa Williams and her husband Taylor of NC, Austin Pierce, Brandon Pierce and Caitlyn Pierce all of Binghamton, Zanna Pierce of Middleburgh, FL, Rebecca Pierce, KS, Makayla Pierce, and Matthew Pierce Jr. all of Salina, KS, Gianna Aramini of Cherry Valley, four great-grandchildren, Mason, Parker, Andrew and Chamberlin all of Salina, KS, several nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother Charles Eugene Pierce.
A celebration of life will take place on June 4th , at Glimmerglass State Park, from 1 pm until 5 pm . Bring your own meat and a side dish. Funeral arrangements are with J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home; 40 West James Street, Richfield Springs .