Obituary: Philip J. Pierce Jr., Peabody Firefighter for over 25 Years

Obituary from Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home.

Philip J. Pierce, Jr., 74, beloved husband of Sandra (Cotraro) Pierce, died peacefully on Friday evening September 26, 2014, while in the comforting presence of his family.

Born in Salem, he was the son of the late Philip J. and Marie (Doherty) Pierce. He was a lifelong resident of the city, and graduated from Peabody High School, Class of 1958.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, and was stationed in Washington state.

He started work with the City of Peabody DPW and Water Department, and then was a Peabody Fire Fighter with over 25 years of service while also working at Whidden Supply. After retiring, Phil was a Peabody Crossing Guard for many years.

Phil was a stellar athlete growing up, earning three letters in football, hockey, and baseball at Peabody High. He was an avid sports fan, and was a proud hockey parent and grandparent. Phil also loved fishing and enjoyed many trips and tournaments with his close friends. He also looked forward to his yearly trip to Cape Cod with his family which they’ve enjoyed for over 30 years. He was passionate about Irish culture and embarked on numerous trips to Ireland. He was a great cook, and was renowned for his Fish Chowder that he would cook at the Peabody Fire Station and also with the A.O.H., Division 11 of Peabody where he was a longtime member. He was awarded “Irishman of the Year” at the AOH. He enjoyed the monthly dinners at the Italian-American Club of Peabody, and was a devoted friend and dedicated to his family. He will be dearly missed.

He is survived by his wife Sandra (Cotraro) Pierce of Peabody, with whom he shared 50 years of marriage; a son Philip “PJ” Pierce, III & his wife Susan, two daughters Colleen Legere & her husband Christopher and Kelley Cohen all of Peabody; five grandchildren, Alexander Cohen, Elijah Cohen, Mia Cohen, Waverly Cohen and Stephanie Pierce all of Peabody; two sisters, Elizabeth Carter of Newburyport and Ruth Linehan of Danvers, and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to gather on Wednesday October 1, 2014 at 10 AM from the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody, followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 AM in St. John the Baptist Church, Peabody. A visitation will be held on Tuesday from 4 – 8 P.M. Burial will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. Memorial donations may be made to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923. Please visit www.ccbfuneral.com for online obit & sign condolences