Matthew S. Pierce

1998 - 2016

It is with heavy heart that we note the passing of Matthew Scott Pierce on 20 September 2016. Born to Scott David and Cynthia Lou Pierce on 6 December 1998, at Yokota Air Base, Tachikawa City, Japan, Matthew lived a life full of love, adventure, service and faith. The fourth of six children, he was known as a peacemaker and friend to all. Before his fifth birthday, Matthew had lived in four countries on three continents and was learning his third language. When his family moved back to the States where he started second grade, he felt for a time as a foreigner in his own country. He completed his elementary education at Blanchard Memo rial School in Boxborough, graduated from RJ Gray Junior High School and was a senior at Acton-Boxborough Regional High School (ABRHS) where he played on the varsity volleyball team. He loved all kinds of music and was an accomplished pianist, serving as a part-time organist in his local Church. He quickly advanced through the ranks of the Boy Scouts of America and earned his Eagle as a sophomore. He was ordained as a Priest in the Aaronic Priesthood in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, served in many youth leadership positions and participated in countless service projects in his community. While a student at ABRHS, he loved and was loved by the young students at Blanchard where he worked for three years as a student aide in their extended-day program, helping students with their homework and leading arts and crafts and athletic activities. He worked many other part-time jobs to earn money for a future mission for his Church and to attend the school of his dreams, Brigham Young University. One of Matthews favorite pastimes was skiing where he found the thrill of speed, a sense of adventure and the exhilleration of improving his talents. He loved the outdoors in all four seasons and particularly enjoyed hiking and camping both with his fellow Scouts and with his family. Hiking Mt Katahdin, ocean kayaking and camping in Acadia National Park were some of his fond memories. He recently returned from a family three-day, 30-mile hike into the Grand Canyon. Most importantly, he was quick with a smile, a kind word or a helping hand to those around him. As a young child, he was always a willing helper in his family sandwiched between rambunctious older siblings and younger, twin brothers. As a teenager, he was considerate, respectful, patient and always trustworthy. His compassion and caring were an example to old and young alike. Matthews parents, grandparents, brothers David, Brian, Michael and John and adoring sister, Rebekah, all look forward in faith to the day when all pain will cease and the only tears will be those of thankfulness in a glorious reunion made possible through the loving Atonement of our Savior, Jesus Christ.