Robert Pierce

Bob is the beloved husband of Linda Pierce, married just shy of 60 years. The loving father of Laura (Daniel Brown) Pierce, Rebecca (Michael) Bussell, Elizabeth (Christopher) Javor, Rachel (Todd) Leuffgen, and Jessica (Brian) Magsig. Cherished grandfather of Nathan Marutz, Zachary Marutz, Alexis Bussell, Amber Bussell, Emma Javor, Addison Javor, Kaelyn Javor and Ashley Leuffgen. Dear brother of Patience Panski, Patricia Lafferty, Marisia Pica, and the late Richard Pierce, and half-brother to the late George Pierce, Jr. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family and close friends.

Bob began his journey in the quiet farming community of Cambridge Junction, Michigan, the fourth of five children in a hardworking family. In 1949, the family relocated to Detroit so Bob’s father could work at the Hudson’s warehouse downtown, a job he held until retirement. Bob attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School in Detroit, where he was known for his mischievous charm and knack for dodging the watchful eyes of the Brothers.

During high school, Bob worked at Spencer’s Sausage Company, but it was a favor for a friend that changed his life forever. Asked to drive his buddy and his girlfriend to Linda’s house, Bob laid eyes on Linda for the first time, and it was love at first sight. Their romance blossomed, and after Linda graduated, Bob enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps to serve in the Vietnam War, choosing service over the draft.

Following bootcamp, Bob was granted a short leave, just enough time to marry the love of his life on December 18, 1965, and prepare for deployment. He spent 14 months in Vietnam and was later stationed at various bases before being honorably discharged in 1968. Bob was a proud Marine and lived life by following the principles of Semper Fi.

Bob and Linda returned to Michigan in 1968, where they built a life together in Warren for the next 57 years. Bob began his next career in the HVAC industry as an installer, but after a serious fall left him with a broken back, he transitioned into sales, a move that revealed his true calling. With natural charisma and a gift for connection, Bob thrived in HVAC sales, earning the respect of colleagues and customers alike.

Together, Bob and Linda raised five daughters—yes, five girls and no boys—over the span of 31 years. Bob adored his daughters and made Father’s Day and his birthday sacred “daughters only” celebrations, moments he treasured deeply. His love multiplied with the arrival of eight grandchildren, who became the light of his life. Among them are six granddaughters and two grandsons, one of whom proudly followed in Bob’s footsteps by enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps.

In retirement, Bob and Linda found joy in family, spending time with their grandchildren and cheering on the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, and Michigan State football and basketball teams. Despite enduring two heart attacks and a battle with stage IV cancer over the last five years, Bob’s spirit remained unshaken. He lived by the motto, “It could always be worse,” and faced every challenge with grit and grace.

Bob passed away surrounded by his wife of nearly 60 years, his daughters, grandchildren, and sons-in-law. His legacy lives on in the family he built, the values he instilled, and the love he gave so freely. He is finally at peace.

Family and friends are invited to honor and celebrate Bob’s life at A.H. Peters Funeral Home located at 32000 Schoenherr Rd, Warren, MI 48088, on Sunday, November 2. Visitation will take place from 12:00 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 3:30 p.m. A dinner reception will be held at 5:00 p.m. at the Andiamo Showroom Warren, 7096 E. 14 Mile Rd., Warren, MI 48092.

Bob will be laid to rest with military honors at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly on Monday, November 3, in a private ceremony with his immediate family.

Donations in memory of Robert Pierce can be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, Maryland 21741, or to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, Development Office, 1820 Mount Elliott Street, Detroit, Michigan 48207. More information on donations can be found at www.cancer.org/dignitymemorial and https://www.cskdetroit.org/en/donate/.