John Joseph Pierce, 74, of Orange, beloved husband of 46 years to Linda Kregel Pierce, passed away peacefully, on November 18, 2016. Born on November 24, 1941 in Fort Monroe, VA, he was the son of the late Harold and Catherine Kelly Pierce.
John proudly served his country in the United States Airforce, where he was trained as a radar technician. He was employed with Grumman Aircraft and worked on the L.E.M. that went to the moon and then with Sperry Gyroscope, where he was responsible for teaching navy personnel how to use the MK-92 Radar.
John went on to retire from Sikorsky Aircraft in December of 1999. He was skilled in the art of wood working and liked to read science fiction. His greatest joy in life was the time he spent traveling and being with his family.
In addition to his wife, Linda, John is survived by his children, John K. (Rebecca) Pierce and Melissa Pierce; grandchildren, Emma and Meghan Pierce; siblings, William Pierce, Patricia (Lee) Hendershot, Robert (Susan) Pierce and James (Peggy) Pierce; several nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his sister, Mary Beckman.
A Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held on Saturday, November 26, 2016 at 4:30 p.m. at the CODY-WHITE FUNERAL HOME, 107 Broad St., Milford, CT. Friends and family may call on Saturday, November 26, 2016, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the funeral home.
Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in John’s name to St. Jude Children Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; CT Hospice, 100 Double Beach Rd., Branford, CT 06405, or a charity of choice.