Norman F. Pierce

Rochester - Norman F. Pierce, 96, a former resident of Rochester, NH passed away on February 1, 2015 at Kirkwood Corners, Lee, NH where he has resided for the past two years. Norman was born on July 17, 1918 in Worcester, MA, to the late Frank L. and Lora I. (Barnes) Pierce. Norman graduated from Rochester High School in 1936 and married Margaret Wright on May 30, 1940. They were married for 63 years before her death on June 24, 2003. Norman was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great grandfather. He always enjoyed visits from family members. In August, family members attended a Fisher Cats game in Manchester to cheer him on as he threw out the first pitch. Norman was a life-long fan of the Boston Red Sox and lived to see his team win three World Series! Norman was a man of many talents. Trained as a machinist, he could use any tool to build or repair anything, from automobiles to televisions. He loved tending his gardens and, especially, enjoyed his tomatoes and Swiss chard. During and after WWII, he worked at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard as an electrician and was proud of the many submarines he helped build. In 1951 he began employment as a tool layout inspector at GE in Somersworth, retiring in 1980. He enjoyed traveling for many years with his wife, Margaret, in their motorhome. Norman Pierce was a member of Humane Lodge #21, Free & Accepted Masons, the James Farrington Chapter 7, Order of Eastern Star, the Boy Scout Council, and a long time member of the First United Methodist Church of Rochester, NH. He is survived by three daughters, Cynthia Drake and her late husband the Rev. Ernest Drake of Rye, NH; Karen and her husband Ronald Perkins of Naples, FL, and Dianne and her husband Douglas DuVarney of Leesburg, FL. Six grandchildren, Ruthanne Mullins, Peter Drake, Kristin Bride, Kerry Fernandez, Craig DuVarney, and Melissa Eaton; eight great grandchildren, Victoria, Courtney, Jack, Carson, Pierce, Ryan, Sam and Jill; and four great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Velma White of Rochester NH, and two nieces, Sharon Malone, and Sheila Foss. The family thanks the staff of Kirkwood Corners for providing their loving care and support. A memorial service and burial will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of the R.M. Edgerlyand Son Funeral Home, 86 S. Main St. Rochester, NH. To sign an online guestbook please visit www.edgerlyfh.com.