Obituary of Gary P. Pierce

PIERCE, Gary P. Age 73 of Silsbee Rd. Wayne NY passed away Dec. 17, 2017. Gary was born in Buffalo NY to the late Oscar “Bud” Pierce and Polly (Wilgus) Pierce. He is survived by his wife, Sharon (Hakes) Pierce; Daughters, Kristine (Robert) Garbarino of Highland NY and Melissa (Michael) Griffin of Chalfont, PA; Grandchildren, Pierce, Aubrey, and Emma; Sister, Gayle O’Connor of Hammondsport, NY; His wife, Sharon’s family, Julie (Paul) Pacheco of Chapel Hill, NC with their children, Stella and Paloma; Steven (Kelly ) Hakes of Big Flats, NY and their daughter, Sydney; Chris (Kelly) Hakes of Rochester, NY with their family James II and Robert, and a host of extended family member and close and caring friends. In addition to his parents he was also predeceased by his first wife, Iris and also survived by Melissa’s mother, his second wife, Shelley Hamel. Gary was a graduate of the Valley Forge Military School. While there he was instrumental in forming their first Marching Band and Drum and Bugle Corps. He later graduated from Niagara Community College and enlisted in the US Navy serving as an Air Control man aboard the USS WASP. He was a Volunteer and active in both the Buffalo Fire Department and served as past Deputy Chief in Deering, NH. Gary was a proud veteran and member of Wayne American Legion serving as post commander 3 times. Gary worked for the FAA and went to school and became a Ferrier where he fell in love with the art of blacksmithing, and in his leisure was a fine skilled craftsman making precision knives. Recently Gary was the assistant manager for Walmart in Hornell. Family and friends are invited to a time of stories, sharing and celebration to take place in the Wayne American Legion 4926 Bath Rd, Wayne, NY 14893 on Sat. April 28, 2018 starting at 11:00 am. Condolences at www.barberfuneralhome.com Those wishing may also remember Gary with memorials to the Wayne Fire Dept. PO Box 72, Wayne, NY 14893