Lewis K. Pierce

PORTLAND, MAINE — Lewis K. “Billy” Pierce, 83, husband of Donna (Love) Pierce, died peacefully July 7th surrounded by his loving family. Born in Hamilton, son of the late Lewis K. and Helen (Lovering) Pierce, Lewis was raised and educated in Hamilton where he met and courted his wife Donna. They had recently celebrated their sixtieth anniversary last October on Peaks Island, Maine.

Lew and Donna lived in Beverly, Mass. for many years, where they raised and educated their six children prior to retiring to Portland, Maine in 1984.

Proudly serving in the U.S. Navy, Lew was on board the U.S.S. Franklin in the Pacific during WWII. He was a graduate from the Coyne School of Engineering where he obtained his master’s electricians license. Lew worked with Massachusetts Electric Company until the time of his retirement, and most recently enjoyed working part-time at Hannaford Brothers Company in Portland, Maine.

An avid cribbage player, crossword guru, horse shoe ringer, and boating enthusiast, Captain Lew was happiest at his camp on Long Lake in Bridgton, Maine, surrounded by his friends and family. He was also an active member of the Vacationland Dog Club as a dog handler and trainer.

Surviving him, in addition to his wife Donna, are six children and their spouses, Daniel H. and J. Tracy Pierce of Salem, Mass., David S. and Denise Pierce of Biddeford, Maine, Bethany and Fran Gentleman of Hamilton, Mass., Brian and Christy Pierce of Naples, Maine, Sarah and Anthony Manfre of Beverly, Mass., and Susan V. and Michael D. Sheehan of Beverly, Mass.; twelve grandchildren, Merrill Pierce, Vanessa and Gregg Gentleman, Brian, Richard, Nicholas and Rebecca Pierce, Jessie and Maxx Manfre and Andrew, Scott and Allison Sheehan; three great-grandchildren, Lauren, Keegan and Damian; and several nieces and nephews. He was also the brother of the late Margaret Silke.

Private funeral services were held on Saturday at Central Cemetery, Beverly, Mass. Contributions may be made in his memory to Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 U.S. Rte. 1, Scarborough, ME 04074.