Pierce J. Gould

 

Pierce John Gould, 74, of Worcester, MA/Fernandina Beach, FL, passed away peacefully on June 14, 2022. He is survived by his sons Christopher (Georgia) Gould of Rochester Hills, MI, and Kevin (Heather) Gould of Worcester; seven grandchildren Cara, Erin, Rosalie, Owen, Ryan, Charlotte, and Keira Gould; brothers Richard, Francis, and Thomas Gould; sister Mary Gould-Lavallee; sister-in-law Donna Gould; many nieces and nephews; and companion, Kellie McCort. He was predeceased by his parents John J. and Frances E. (Power) Gould; and brother Paul Gould.  

Pierce was born in Worcester in 1948 and grew up on Hollywood Street in Main South. He attended St. Peter’s Grammar School and graduated from South High School in 1967. Upon graduation, Pierce enlisted in the United States Army where he served in combat operations in Vietnam. A decorated soldier, Pierce was honorably discharged and came back to Worcester where he graduated from Becker Jr. College. 

In the early 1980s, Pierce co-owned and operated The Stage Door Pub on Main Street in Worcester. The daily deli sandwiches and New Year’s Eve sausage, pepper, and onion sandwiches were almost as well known as the moustache Pierce proudly wore through the 1980s and 1990s. While operating The Stage Door Pub, Pierce also catered to many of the musical acts that visited the Worcester Centrum in its 1980’s heydays. 

Pierce served for many years as the Veterans’ Services Agent/Director for the City of Worcester, working tirelessly to advance Veteran causes. He helped organize the Worcester Welcome Home Parade for Korean, Vietnam and Persian Gulf Veterans, was co-chairman of the Vietnam Veterans Moving Wall at the College of the Holy Cross and was an original organizer of the Central Massachusetts Shelter for Homeless Veterans on Grove Street in Worcester. The pinnacle of Pierce’s career was serving as the Chairman of the Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans Memorial at Green Hill Park which beautifully commemorates his brothers-in-arms who lost their lives during the Vietnam War.  In honor of his service to the community, Pierce was awarded a Key to the City, was named a Hometown Hero in 1999 by Worcester Magazine and was chosen to throw out a first pitch at a Boston Red Sox game in 2002. 

Pierce was involved as a coach at both Jesse Burkett Little League and West Side Babe Ruth and served as the president of the football Touchdown Club for St. Peter-Marian Jr-Sr High School.

Upon retirement in 2004, Pierce relocated to Florida where he enjoyed golfing and spending time on the beach. A loyal Red Sox and Patriots fan, Pierce also loved watching college football. Above all else, Pierce especially loved his family, and was a beloved father, brother, uncle and Papi. His love, friendship, smile, and sense of humor will be sorely missed.

All are welcomed to a celebration of Pierce's life with visiting hours on Sunday, June26th from1:00-3:30pm at Callahan, Fay & Caswell Life Celebration Home, 61 Myrtle St., Worcester.  A service will begin at 3:30pm. Burial will be private.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Pierce’s memory to the Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans Memorial c/o City of Worcester Parks Department, 50 Skyline Drive, Worcester, MA 01605.