Carl Pierce

NEW GLOUCESTER — Carl Arthur Pierce, 87, passed away at the Androscoggin Hospice House in Auburn on Friday, Feb. 10, 2017, after a long period of declining health.

During his illness, he had resided at Togus, and Coastal Manor in Yarmouth.

Carl was born in Portland on April 28, 1929, the second child of Chester “Chet” Pierce and Florence “Flossie” (Caldwell) Pierce.

He grew up in the Riverton area and attended Portland schools. At 16, he began working at the S.D. Warren paper mill in Westbrook. Carl had a fondness for motorcycles in his youth, and drove his two Harleys throughout Maine and New Mexico. He saw action in the Korean War, before being honorably discharged.

He was a Portland firefighter at the Central Station for 15 years. He was also a skilled finish carpenter, and very knowledgeable about many aspects of building construction. He worked many construction and remodeling jobs in and around Portland, notably in the Old Port. Later, he worked at Jordan Marsh and the Barron Center. Carl was a trusted employee and had a strong work ethic. He took good care of his family.

Carl had a son, Michael, from his first marriage. On June 2, 1962, he married Betty A. Grover (Thurlow), and gained three stepchildren, as well. Carl loved children, and treated his stepchildren as his own. They all loved him as their “Dad.” Carl and Betty had two more children together. They were married for 54 years.

In 1969, Carl, along with Betty, began to study with Jehovah’s Witnesses. He was baptized some time after his wife. He made many good friends through his association with the Witnesses, and the Bible truths he learned brought him comfort and hope. Though he later ceased active participation, he never stopped believing what he had been taught, and he remained supportive of his family’s efforts for the rest of his life.

He loved animals of all kinds, and used his carpentry skills to build many barns, pens, and cages to house all of the family's numerous pets. He and Betty enjoyed feeding the birds and other wildlife on their property. They never turned away a stray cat, and adopted many cats and dogs over the years. Carl was a homebody, but he did enjoy several trips with his family to Prince Edward Island in Canada, and also Florida. He liked his pickup trucks and classic country music.

Carl was predeceased by his parents; and his older brother, Donald.

He is survived by his wife Betty of New Gloucester; his stepson, David J. Albert of Texas; his stepdaughter, Kathleen L. (Albert) Fortman of Wiscasset; his stepson, Gregory C. Grover of Raymond; his daughter, Cheryl A. (Pierce) Stringer of New Gloucester; his son, John D. Pierce of Bangor; his sister, Evelyn Roberts of Portland; and several nieces and nephews.

There will be no funeral services. Family and friends are invited to a gathering Sunday, Feb. 26, at 1 p.m. at the Stringer home, 387 Gloucester Hill Road, in New Gloucester.

If friends desire to honor Carl’s great love for animals, donations can be made in his memory to an animal shelter of your choice.