It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our Dad, Francis Richard “Babes” Pierro Sr. at the age of 83 of Wagmatcook First Nation on May 21,2024 at Victoria County Memorial Hospital in Baddeck, N.S. Surrounded by his Loving wife, family and friends in his final moments, he was a man of humor and great wisdom, cherishing every moment with his loved ones. A true hard working man who worked up to his final days from his hospital room. He was born March 9th, 1941 in Wagmatcook to Richard and Fannie (Francis) Pierro.
Survived by his wife of 60 years Anna K (Googoo) Pierro. Together they raised a large family. They opened their home to nieces, nephews and numerous foster children or the years. He will be sadly missed by everyone especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his daughters Audrey, Vera Pierro (Wagmatcook) and Jessie Christmas (Membertou), sons Anthony Pierro (Francine), Francis Jr. Pierro (Brenda), Robert Simon, Herman Pierro (Christine) of Wagmatcook and Hubert Pierro (Dana) of Waycobah, nephew/sons Richard Pierro (Emma), Brent (Candace) of Wagmatcook and Peter Pierro (Mary) of Nyanza.
He also leaves sister Kathleen Pierro, sister-in-law Sophie Pierro, 45 grandchildren, 29 great-grand children and one great great grandchild, and many more nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews and cousins and god child Clarence Bernard.
Predeceased by his brothers Roddie (Mary) Pierro, Freeman Pierro and sisters Louise (Victor) Pierro, Helen (Peter) Googoo and Mary Victoria Googoo; son/nephew Chisholm Pierro; grandsons Roger Christmas Jr, and Cyrus Peck; sons-in-law Roger Christmas Sr. and John James Gould and daughter-in-law Bernice Pierro.
Francis was also known as “Babes” or “Uncle Baby” by so many. He was a hard worker since an early age, as he worked along-side his dad escaping the Residential School times. From cutting pulp for years to becoming the youngest Chief to be elected and remain Chief for many years and later a Band Councillor for more years where he was a well-respected leader in his community and other communities. During his time as Chief the First Mi’kmaw Day Care was opened in Wagmatcook. He was known by so many people from everywhere and helped so many along the way. Known by so many who became his friends. His hard-working ethic was evident from a very young age right up to his last days where he worked from his hospital making his sons complete the things that he wanted done. A true hero in our eyes and will be known for his, kind caring character making sure everyone was taken care of first. With the completion of winter he had plowed through many storms and his boys were always ready to help him out when he drove a little close to the ditch. He was determined to get all his roads cleared before people had to get out by morning. Many evenings he would watch hockey and look out to see how much snow had fallen before he decided to head out again.
Some other roles he filled were Band Constable, Grand Council Keptin, School Bus Contractor, Carpenter, Gaspereau Fish harvester, pulp cutter, Fireman, blueberry harvest field boss and potato picking field boss in Maine just to name a few. The times in Maine were also family times so the harvest days were a family vacation. His teachings are seen in his sons in the hard work ethic they also have for our community.
As for sports, he played softball as a pitcher and later a coach for Wagmatcook teams. He also played hockey for many years, then later coached. Later he watched lots of NHL hockey.
He worked with the best throughout his life and was honoured to have them as friends. Friends were very important to him and he cherished every moment with them.
Every fall he looked forward to the Annual Moose Youth Camp and he would be the one who picked out the site for the camp each year. This was a gathering time of the youth in the community and he made sure every detail of the week was completed before the youth showed up at Camp. Throughout the weekend he would make sure everything fell into place. We are losing an icon that will be irreplaceable and forever remembered in our hearts.
We the Pierro family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and all hospital staff at Victoria County Memorial Hospital, Baddeck N.S. Also Special thanks to Dr Genge and Palliative Care Dr Ritter and Nursing staff. Thanks to family and friends that came to spend his last days visiting him in the hospital. We would also like to thanks all the people who helped us during this time preparing for the funeral and during the stay at the hospital.
Visitation will take place at the Wagmatcook Elders Centre , located on Fishery Road, starting Sunday, May 26th /24 after 4 pm with Funeral mass on Tuesday, May 28th/24 at 11 am at the Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Church. Father Victor Officiating. Burial to follow in the Wagmatcook Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.twcurry.com.
Also thanks to all family and friends for being there for our DAD and family, we're forever thankful.
Thanks to Norman Bernard and Allan MacNeil for help with Band office business and for their support. Thanks also to Brian for helping out with Dad's health.
Dad had a big help from the summer cleanup crews, Philippe Jr and Vincent Jr, dad was always greatful for all of your assistance over the years.
The one thing I remember about our dad and Past community funerals is that he would stay till the end of the salite and make sure the funeral costs are covered and if they weren't he would pay off the rest . He was an amazing person who made sure everyone else was ok . This is why he was a legendary Chief.
