Harry R. Pierce

Harry R. Pierce was born in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan on June 29, 1931 to Harry R. Pierce Sr. and Christina M. (McKay) Pierce. He was one of four children. Harry passed away very peacefully in Farmington Hills, Michigan on November 8, 2024 at the age of 93.

Harry was the beloved husband of the late Catherine (Bynum) Pierce for 26 years until her death in 2014. Loving father of Mary Dietrich (Wes), Anne Hartsell (Ron), Margaret Gordon (Dave), Steve Pierce (Linda), Catherine Mortiere (John Imhoff Jr.), Charles Pierce, and the late William Pierce. Step-father of the late Janet Harris (Les), and the late Ray Bynum (the late Mary Bynum).

Caring grandfather of Christina Hartsell (Mirami McAulliffe), Sarah Hartsell, Erin Gordon, Blaine Dietrich (Jacqueline), Kimberly Dietrich (Peter McCrary), Jacob Pierce, and Mia Mortiere-Imhoff. Dear great-grandfather of Liam Hancock, Isaac Moore, Winifred Dietrich, Louisa Dietrich, and Emma Dietrich-McCrary. Brother of Dolores Staub (the late Larry), the late Donna Parks (the late Bill), and the late Dick Pierce. Brother-in-law of the late Joan Pierce. Former husband of Mary Joan Comiskey for 28 years with whom he fathered and raised seven children. Harry will also be deeply missed by many nieces and nephews as well as his special friend Delphine Carinci, who he truly loved until his last day.

Harry graduated from Catholic Central High School in 1949 and continued his education at the Business Institute, where he earned a degree in accounting in 1951.

A proud veteran, Harry served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1951 to 1957, and attending the European Noncommissioned Officers Academy achieving the rank of E5. He was a part of the 28th Infantry Division, 112th Regiment Combat Team, Heavy Mortar Company. Harry lived in Germany for a while where he purchased his first motorcycle that he loved to ride.

After the war and completing his service in the Army, Harry proudly attended and graduated Wayne State University with a Mortuary Science certificate, awarded by the U.S. Board of Funeral Service Examiners In 1957. He devoted his career to funeral service, beginning with helping his father at their family business, H.R. Pierce and Son Funeral Home, from 1957 to 1970. During this, he made his way through the chairs and finally served as the Michigan Funeral Directors Association (MFDA) District 1 President in Wayne County from 1967 to 1968. Harry then went on to own and manage the Skene-Pierce Funeral Home until 1973. In 1977, Harry joined Harry J. Will Funeral Homes, where he worked tirelessly as a licensed Funeral Director and Operations Manager until 1996 when he “retired”. However, he stayed working at Harry J. Will as a Licensed Funeral Director part time until 2024, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of countless families. Harry had the mind of a computer database. He not only remembered every soul he planned a funeral for, he remembered everyone in his or her family, how they were related, and where they were from. Harry was passionate about funeral service, the industry itself, and how it changed over the years. He received the 50 Year License Award from MFDA in 2007. Harry came to work, professionally dressed in a suit and tie until he was 92 years old.

Beyond his professional endeavors, and raising seven children, Harry was deeply involved in genealogy, serving as past president and board member of the Redford Genealogy Society, the Livonia Genealogy Society, and the National Genealogy Society. He loved bowling and was the past president of The Husband and Wife Bowling League. Bowling a 300 game is one of his many proud moments. Harry's dedication to his faith was evident as a devout Catholic and former member of St. Sabina Catholic Church serving as an usher and liturgical minister. When he moved to Livonia, he joined St. Maurice Catholic Church which merged with St. Genevieve Catholic Church where he attended faithfully. Harry was an honorary lifetime member of the Daniel A. Lord Council #3959 of the Knights of Columbus, as well as the Monaghan Council #2690.

Known for his meticulous nature, punctuality, and unwavering integrity, Harry knew a lot about a lot of things and loved to tell the stories of his past adventures and life’s lessons. He was also a simple man who found joy in life's little pleasures. In his later years, he could often be found relaxing with a scoop of "white ice cream," reminiscing while watching his favorite 1970s sitcoms.

Harry R. Pierce will be remembered not only for his professional achievements but also for the warmth and humor he brought into the lives of those around him. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and esteemed member of the community leaving behind a legacy of service, commitment, and kindness and a community that will dearly miss his presence.

Harry's family will receive friends for a visitation on Friday, November 15, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Harry J Will Funeral Homes, 37000 W. Six Mile Road, Livonia, Michigan 48152. There will be an opportunity to share a memory at 6:00 PM followed by a 7:00 PM Rosary Service. The Rosary Service will be led by the Knights of Columbus Council #3959.

Final viewing will begin at 10:30 AM at St Genevieve-St Maurice Catholic Church, 29015 Jamison St, Livonia, Michigan 48154. The Funeral Mass, led by Father Tomasz Wilisowski, will follow at 11:00 AM.

Harry will be laid to rest with committal prayers and military honors at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery, Southfield, MI.