Michael Peirce

Michael J. Peirce passed away peacefully on October 22, 2022 at the age of 73 with family by his side.  He was born in Meadville on February 9, 1949 to David and Betty Peirce. He was a resident and beloved member of the Conneaut Lake, PA community where he owned and operated Peirce Contracting and Oakland Beach Water Company for many years.

Mike left an outstanding Legacy. Helping neighbors, friends and community members was in his nature. One could say he had the gift of generosity because he never accepted anything in return. It simply was what he did for others. The kind of guy who would give the shirt off his back, even if he didn’t know you, because he knew you needed it more than him.  Everyone who encountered Mike has a story of how he impacted their life.

His life motto was “work hard, play hard” and this motto reflected his passion and commitment to his businesses. One of his favorite places to be was on a job site and for most of his life you could find him pushing dirt or digging holes seven days a week.

Mike was a proud Marine Corps combat veteran, serving one year of his enlistment in Vietnam with the 3rd Marine Division, where he was decorated for gallantry. He was honored to earn the title “Marine” and believed it held a value that lasted a lifetime. He commanded the VFW Post 7842 from 2009 through 2016 being twice recognized as an All State Commander. In addition, he served as VFW District 28 Junior Vice then Senior Vice Commander in 2017 through 2019. His bravery, tough disposition, success, and selfless nature were a product of the Marine Corps ideals of loyalty.

After returning from Vietnam, Mike felt it was his duty to gather Veterans together. He believed that Vets needed each other, not only for support, but for comradeship and fellowship. The love and loyalty they shared was priceless.  It was a relationship he held close to his heart.

He had a large beautiful family that he cherished and was very proud of.  Five boys, James Peirce (Lacey), Pat DeWalt (Hollie), Tony Rotunno (Roberta), Rich DeWalt (Kris) and Fred DeWalt (Patti) and two girls, Maggie Lemay (Pete) and Theresa Voneida;  sixteen grandchildren, Joshua, Juliana, Joelle, Jiana, Samantha, Max, Bella, Tanner, Sawyer, Allison, Sidney, Carey, Katie, Ryan, Heath, and Hannah and three great-grandchildren, Adalee, Francis, and Jane.

He is also survived by his sister, Betty Jo Ridgeway (Ed); his sister-in-law, Edna; nephews, Corey Ridgeway and Michael Peirce; his lifelong friend and companion, Sharon Ferguson and his former wife and forever friend, Joyce Aitken.

He is preceded in death by his parents, David and Betty Peirce; his brother, David and his loyal dog, Oakey.

Family and friends are invited to call on Friday, October 28th at Dickson Funeral Home and Crematory, 130 N. 2 ^nd St., Conneaut Lake, PA from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.  Military honors will take place at 7 pm.    A celebration of life will take place at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Mike to the VFW Post 7842, 6913 Gehrton Road, Linesville, Pa 16424.

Please sign Mike’s online guestbook at www.hatheway-tedesco.com .

Arrangements have been entrusted to Dickson Funeral Home and Crematory, 130 N. 2 ^nd St., Conneaut Lake, PA 16316, Rocco R. Tedesco III, Supervisor.