John Coburn Pierce, 84, passed away Tuesday, December 18, 2018 at his home in North Ferrisburgh after a short illness.
He was born May 18, 1934 in Hinesburg, Vermont, the son of W. Harrison Pierce and Sybil Green. He went to schools in Hinesburg and attended Vermont Technical College. He was the state FFA Vice President in 1953 and served in the Army for 2 years during the Korean War.
John owned and ran a dairy farm most of his working life and served his community in many ways. He was instrumental in getting the Ferrisburgh fire station built in the early 1990’s. He was moderator for 21 years and a member of the selectboard for 7 years. John was one of the original members of the town zoning board in 1967 and spent 9 years as chair of the Planning Commission starting in 1970. 14 years were spent as the secretary and treasurer of the North Ferrisburgh Cemetery Association and 6 years as co-chair of the Ferrisburgh Recreation.
He had many pastimes including reading, history and playing cards with family and friends. Texas Hold-em was one of his favorites. John and Irene spent many winters down south traveling with their camper. His beloved horse Nettie was with him in his early years and more recently Belle would be seen pulling the buggy while John gave neighbors, family and friends rides.
John was a big man with a bigger heart, his love for family and children was apparent by his marriage for a second time to a woman (his love of 48 years, Irene) having 5 children, adding to the three John already had. Irene and John then had 3 more together. We always joked that we were “The Brady Bunch†on steroids. John was never happier than helping and tending his family.
He was still in contact with many of his early friends and enjoyed their company. After ending dairy farming in 2000 he drove dump truck for a few years and then was a school bus driver which he really enjoyed.
John is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Irene Gebo Pidgeon and his children: Beth Pidgeon, Pamela Cousino (Guy), Susan Johnson (Chuck), Sally Boisvine, Mark Pidgeon, Jane Cyr (Patrick), Gary Pidgeon, Paul Pierce, Peter Pierce and Laura Pierce, his grandsons Aaron Myers and T J Cross and sisters-in-law Ruth Pierce and Lena Burro. He was predeceased by his daughter, Anne Pidgeon, his grandson, Kyle Myers and his brothers William Pierce and Sidney Pierce.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, December 21st at the North Ferrisburgh United Methodist Church at 1:00 p.m. with the funeral service following upstairs at 2:00 p.m. Burial to follow at the North Ferrisburgh Cemetery. After the service there will be a reception in the fellowship hall with light snacks. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Ferrisburgh Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 25, N Ferrisburgh, VT 05473. To send online condolences to his family please visit www.brownmcclayfuneralhomes