Halbert Edmond Pierce III

Pierce, Halbert Edmond III

Aug 6, 2025

Age 90 of Grand Island, New York passed away peacefully in his sleep August 6, 2025. Halbert was born in Lynn, MA and the son of Halbert E. Pierce, Jr. and Alice W. (Cross). He was a native New Englander who grew up in Millbury and Needham, Massachusetts. Halbert was a graduate of Needham High School in Needham, Massachusetts. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Worcester, Massachusetts. He was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity at WPI. He built a prolific and prominent professional career working many years for Hooker Chemical Corporation, Occidental Petroleum Corporation (Oxy), IsleChem, Aceto, and Actylis. He operated his own environmental engineering consulting business serving various companies. His specialties included SAFER, SARA, New York State Air Regulations, and Chemical Bulk Storage. Hal was active with United Way, UNICEF, and other nonprofit organizations over the years in various capacities. He was a board member of the Air and Waste Management Association Niagara Falls Section (AWMA NFS) where he received the 2006 William A. Faust Award for his distinguished service and outstanding contributions. He assisted with the judging process and awards presentation at the Buffalo Future Cities Competition for several years. Hal was an active Scouter. Growing up as a Scouter in Massachusetts as a young boy, he continued his mission when he moved to New York for employment. He was the Explorer Advisor to Post 7 in Niagara Falls in the 1960s, Scoutmaster to Troop 254 on Grand Island from 1976-1979, Explorer Advisor to Post 254 on Grand Island in 1979-1996, and a district member of the Greater Niagara Frontier Council of the Boy Scouts from 1996-2018. He is the recipient of the Eagle Scout Award, the Silver Beaver Award, the 70 Year Veteran Award, and the Spark Plug Award. Over the decades, he has remained close friends with his Boy Scouts throughout their adulthood. On a funny note, due to his camping trips frequently encountering rain, the Scouts dubbed him with the nickname of "Raincloud" which Hal wore proudly with glee. He was a member of St. Paul's Methodist Church in Niagara Falls and a long-term member of Trinity Church on Grand Island. Hal was a fervent Buffalo Bills fan. He enjoyed attending musical and theatrical playhouse productions. He loved the great outdoors, woodland wildlife, and gardening. Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his beloved wife of 61 years, Phyllis Ann (nee Handley), and daughter, Susan E. Pierce. He is survived by his son, David H. Pierce (Robin) of San Antonio, TX; daughter, Amy S. Pacini (Anthony) of Land O Lakes, FL; brother Alan C. Pierce (Carol) of Fryeburg, ME; brother-in-law Robert W. Handley (Debi) of North Tonawanda, NY; sister-in-law Mary Jane Handley of Dublin, OH; and many cousins, nieces, a nephew, close friends, co-workers, and Scouters. Hal was loved by many who knew him and he was always there for them. He was a devoted husband, loving father, faithful friend, and hospitable neighbor who will be forever cherished and fondly remembered for his congenial warmth, benevolent heart, adventurous spirit, exuberant energy, humorous wit, lively laughter, and beaming smile. A memorial service will be held at Trinity Church on Grand Island at a future date. Condolences may be made at kaiserfuneral.com.