Douglas S. Pierce

Douglas Stanley Pierce of Belfast, Maine and Boxborough, Massachusetts, passed away on January 4, 2026 from complications of Parkinson's disease and dementia.
Doug was born in Berlin, Massachusetts. He was the son of Kenneth M. Pierce and Helen L. (Brown) Pierce. Doug spent many happy years in Berlin and would visit as often as his very active work and family life permitted. He was a frequent contributor to the Berlin Historical Society. He wrote a detailed biography of the Reverend Reuben Puffer of the Berlin Congregational Church.
In 1968 Doug graduated from Tufts University with a degree in Geology. His diligence and hard work earned him summer jobs with the Canadian Geological Survey, and the US Weather Bureau, both in the Arctic. Doug earned his Master's degree at the University of Michigan.
Doug loved to travel and explore the world. For nine months he immersed himself in every culture, starting in Norway, through Europe, the middle east, India and east Asia. His proudest experience was hiking to the first base camp of Mt. Everest. The goal of the "Big Trip" was to emigrate to Australia. Unfortunately, the job promised to him there was a disappointment. He stayed in Sydney for 6 months, then started for home.
As a geologist in New England, Doug conducted foundation studies, first for siting nuclear power plants, and later for natural storage sites for nuclear waste. When the nuclear industry was rejected by the general population, Doug switched to Environmental Geology. His focus was groundwater protection.
His family life began in 1974 when he married Susan Orlando of Concord, MA. Susan also studied geology at Tufts, and they were married at Goddard Chapel.
Doug and Susan shared many interests: geology, history and travel. They were very active in the outdoors. Hiking, cross-country skiing, kayaking, and canoeing were among his favorite adventures. Doug loved to fish.
Life got even more exciting when the Pierce's adopted David and Emma. The family traveled and shared many of the same activities. The kids loved hiking and camping with Dad, mostly in the White Mountains. Doug was a cub scout leader for David, but Emma was the mascot to the den.
Ever the handyman, Doug always had a project. A brand new two-car garage, a huge swing set and sandbox, and a tree house to be envied, were all designed and completed by Dad.
Doug is survived by his wife Susan, his daughter Emma Newton and her husband Scott, and his precious twin grandsons, Tyler and Russell Newton, and his sister Lynn Christensen. He is predeceased by his parents, his son David and his brother Roger, and nephew Joseph Orlando, and niece Katelyn Gecik. He will be sorely missed by his family of brothers- and sisters-in-law, and his many nephews and nieces.
The past year was most difficult for Doug as he suffered the debilitating effects of his disease. His passing was peaceful, and could only have been a relief to him. He was a gift to all who knew him. He was a writer, reader, avid outdoorsman, true mountain man, carpenter, historian, and most of all, a wonderful husband and father.
Relatives and friends will gather for visiting hours in the Dee Funeral Home, 27 Bedford Street, Concord, MA on Sunday, January 18th from 2 to 4 pm, concluding with a brief prayer service. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers you may wish to remember Doug in a gift to the Appalachian Mountain Club or a charity of your choice
Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord.