Mark Cedric Pierce

It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of Mark Cedric Pierce—beloved son, brother, father, uncle. Mark passed, peacefully, on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, due to complications from diabetes.

Mark was born in Hartford, CT, on December 30, 1954, to Richard and Doris Pierce. He grew up in Ivoryton, graduating from Valley Regional HS, where he enjoyed playing sports, particularly Cross Country and basketball, and made lifelong friends. After high school, Mark enlisted in the US Navy, where he was assigned duty in the Naval Intelligence arena. While in the Naval Reserves, he attended Florida State University, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business, becoming fluent in the Japanese and Russian languages.

Mark worked for the State of Florida for a number of years in the International Business Department, followed by several years as a Pharmaceutical rep, then working for the Jacksonville Transportation Department as a driver and driver training instructor for EMT units. He then moved on to become a site manager for a Florida company which invests in, and reinvigorates, aging strip malls around the country.

Mark always approached life with positivity and a sense of humor and believed in the importance of having options and being open to new things. He had a big heart and always tried to help others when he could. For years, he volunteered at a Jacksonville Goodwill store. Also, as a Navy veteran, he was passionate about supporting the Military and volunteered at various Veteran’s events.

Mark will be so missed by all of us. He was predeceased by his father, Richard Pierce, and his beloved dog, Kayla. He is survived by his mother, Doris Pierce of Ivoryton, CT; his children, of whom he was so proud: daughter, Jennifer Pierce (Ivory) of Houston, TX; and son, Austen Pierce (Catarina) of Tampa, FL. In addition, he leaves his sisters: Deborah Breaux of Cromwell, CT, and Lynn Giroux (Dennis) of Chester, CT; as well as his brother, James Pierce (Rhonda) of Lewisburg, WV. He will also be missed by his nephew, nieces, grandnephews and grandnieces and by his dear friends: Valerie Baxendale, Linda McFarland and Steve McFarland.

A funeral service will be held at the Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 11801 San Jose Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL, on Friday, July 18th, at 10 am. Burial will follow at the Jacksonville National Veteran’s Cemetery. Donations may be made to the Centerbrook VFW Association at The Essex Foundation, P.O. Box 64, Essex, CT 06426; or to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023, Merrifield, VA 22116-7023.