Edwin Allen Pierce

It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Edwin Allen Pierce, 77, has retired from living, having passed away peacefully on January 9, 2026 at the Hospice House of Jefferson County. This happened about 13 years later than it was supposed to, after adding a new type of cancer to his frequent shopper card in what might be considered the worst Christmas present ever. He had two weeks of near constant visits from his loving family and dearest friends, and made us all laugh with his sarcastic wit right until his last day when he finally got tired of us. He asked that his obituary not be boring, and it didn’t even need to be true. However, the truth is funnier than anything we could make up, so please enjoy!

First, official business for the annals of history: Ed is survived by his two daughters: Shannon Pierce of Louisville, Kentucky; and Jacquin Pierce Allen, her husband Josiah Allen and their daughter, Caris, of Herndon, Virginia; his twin sister Evelyn and husband Bill Flatley of Kingston, Rhode Island; brother Richard Pierce and wife Linda of Rescue, Virgina, He is also survived by many nieces and nephews; of note are David Pierce and wife Jody of Carthage, New York, who have been especially important in Ed’s care over the years. He was predeceased by his parents, sisters Neltha Brady and Naidene LaGrow, and brother David Pierce of Carthage who passed away in 2008 with one of Ed's kidneys that he "borrowed" in 1972 and never gave back.

Edwin was born on August 21, 1948, in Carthage, NY, to the late Clessen J. and Alice (Volkert) Pierce, about 10 minutes earlier than his sister, Evelyn. They argued for years about whether she pushed him out or he pulled her along. Those of us who know both of them have our opinions, which we are keeping to ourselves!

Ed somehow managed to graduate from Carthage Central High School in 1966, despite cutting classes with his cousin and best friend, Reid Pierce, currently of Lake Bonaparte, to go carousing or to get into shenanigans like making pounds and pounds of french fries at home. These days off were not pre-arranged: rather, Ed and Reid had a sixth sense about when they would be skipping - I see truant people? They remained close over the years, reminding each other to “be good”, though neither of them has ever been good at that! Following high school, Edwin served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, enlisting in 1968. He later pursued his education, attending Jefferson Community College until 1974, before earning his bachelor’s degree in History in 1976 from SUNY Potsdam.

It was at JCC that Ed became friends with his brother-from-another-mother, Dick Halpin. Having been friends for more than 50 years, Dick and his family hold Ed in such high regard that they have decided to name a building in his honor! Therefore, installed on their camp property shall be "The Edwin Pierce Memorial Outhouse", with a beautiful plaque handmade by cousin Reid. Ed was so proud when he learned of this esteemed recognition, and did manage to christen the building a number of times prior to his passing.

Edwin’s professional career was marked by his long tenure with Goodyear, beginning in 1982 in Watertown. Over the years, he was promoted to truck tire sales and served as the off-road product manager before retiring in 2004 as a regional sales manager out of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. This job allowed him to travel all over the country and schmooze with big wigs on the nation's finest golf courses. He always “let” them win, of course. His diverse career also included roles as a radio announcer, car salesman for Quick Motors, and five years with Frito Lay in Batavia.

While the history degree he earned at Potsdam wasn’t useful in his career, Ed did spend a lot of time researching the history of his ancestors, a hobby which he shared with his older brother Dick. Over many rounds of golf and long phone calls, they caught up on the hot gossip of long deceased family members, and sometimes even discussed their boring living relatives and the stock market.

Post retirement, Ed returned to the North Country. It was here he always felt most at home, and it was the best way to keep tabs on his extended family and friends. He's glad he got the chance to take care of them, even though they were the ones who cleaned his apartment, shoveled his walkway, fixed his door, and brought him food, among other things.

Outside of work, Edwin was an avid outdoorsman who found great joy in hunting and fishing. His not-so-outdoorsman neighbors in suburban Pennsylvania can hardly forget the year he bagged a beautiful 10 point buck, nicknamed Oscar, which hung upside down in the open garage for a few days until it was off to the taxidermist. His daughters also remember having to answer lots of questions from the other neighborhood children.

Edwin is also survived by his beloved granddaughter, Caris Allen, of Virginia, who will be 13 this year - remember how we thought he’d be leaving us 13 years ago? Like a Fairy GodGrandfather, Ed gave three blessings to Caris. First was a love of fishing, and he was proud to tell everyone the day she made off with his tackle box and best fishing rod. Next, was the “blessing” of the Pierce wit and charm. Finally, Edwin imparted his love of music to Caris. He had requested that she perform "Fanfare for the Common Man" on her trombone in memory of him. However, having recently learned "The Imperial March" from Star Wars on her upright bass, she suggested that might be more appropriate. Edwin immediately regretted that second blessing bestowed upon his precocious grandchild!

Ed spent many pre-pandemic winters escaping to Florida, and this was how he met his special lady friend, Deanna Smith. A saint of a lady who volunteers reciting the rosary on Fridays at Samaritan Keep, she kept Ed (mostly) out of trouble, as far as she knew, and kept him stocked in York Peppermint Patties, and God bless her for it.

Each extra moment we all got to spend with Ed was a blessing and he will truly be missed by all who knew him. He didn't want a fuss, so per Edwin's requests his services will be held privately by his family. However, to honor his memory, you may do one or any of the following;

Enjoy a delicious meal. It will taste even better if you have a loved one drive across town to make it for you.Spend time outdoors, especially fishing, hunting, or golfing. If you just want to sit in a lawn chair and look at the water or at a field, it still counts. AKA “touch grass”.
Listen to a beautiful piece of classical music, watch a ballet, or watch a favorite movie for the 10th time - here’s looking at you, kid.
Give someone a good natured hard time, to let them know you love and appreciate them. You can also disagree with them for the sake of debate. People love this!
Quiz a young person about history and give them a half dollar if they are close enough.
Buy Girl Scout Cookies from your local scout, and then give them away to nurses, delivery people, or whoever else happens to stop by.
Stubbornly refuse to do any of the above, or at least complain about it, lest people think you are a big softy. Know that they can see through it though!

Arrangements are in the care of the Bezanilla-McGraw Funeral Home, located at 518 State Street, Carthage, NY 13619. For those who wish to leave a condolence in Edwin’s memory, please visit www.bezanillafh.com