Samuel D. Pierson

MANCHESTER - Samuel D. Pierson, of Manchester, beloved husband and father, passed away Thursday, April 25, 2013, at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York following a short illness. He was 88. A native of Wallingford, Sam was the son of Arthur and Diana (Berkowitz) Pierson. He was predeceased by his brother, Richard. Sam served in the U.S. Navy during World War II graduating from the USNR Midshipman School at Columbia University and was a Lieutenant Jg. on his discharge. He also attended Cornell University graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering. Sam, Chairman and CEO of ABA/PGT, a precision plastics gearing manufacturer in Manchester, wrote the authoritative texts on plastics gearing technology in 1964 and 1994, with William McKinlay. He was active in the community serving in many volunteer leadership positions and was a founding director of the former Manchester State Bank. He continued to be active in his business and professional organizations until his recent illness. An avid traveler, Sam had visited the corners of the globe stepping foot on every continent except Antarctica.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Phyllis (Robinett) Pierson; a son, David Pierson and his wife, Brenda Garrand, of Portland, Maine; three daughters, Nancy Russo, of Hebron, Janet Pierson, of Manchester, and Dorothy Pierson and her husband, Christopher Stachecki, of Brooklyn, N.Y. Sam had five grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Services will be private. Calling hours will be Saturday, May 4, from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Holmes Funeral Home, 400 Main St., Manchester. In lieu of flowers, friends may make a gift in Sam's memory to a charity of the donor's choice. To sign the online register book go to www.holmes-watkinsfuneralhomes.com