North Rose, NY: David M. Pierce, 78, died at home on Monday, Jan. 10 after an almost two-year battle with cancer.
David grew up in Sodus Point, where his parents, the late Ray and Clara Pierce, owned the former Pierce House hotel. After high school, he trained as a diver in Florida and returned home, briefly assisting the local fire department and working various construction jobs before starting his 36-year career with Mobil Chemical. A hot rod enthusiast, he enjoyed traveling to car shows with his wife, Sue, and spending time at the South Butler Dragway, where he was a tireless volunteer and occasional racer. In addition to having been a skilled mechanic and restorer, he was a craftsman, a bird watcher (and feeder) and an avid reader who was deeply interested in history, especially related to WWII.
In addition to his wife, Sue, David is survived by his daughter, Jessica (Jason) Youngman; stepsons, Dale (Becky) Carnell and Larry Carnell; grandsons, Maxwell and Jacob Youngman; step-grandchildren, Ashlee, Christopher, Amanda, Brett and Brandon Carnell and their families; sisters, Gloria Dapolito and Constance D’Amato; nieces and nephews; a cat, aptly named Hot Rod; and his beloved street rod, a 1931 Ford Model A coupe.
In following David’s wishes, there will be no services. Donations in his memory may be made to the nonprofit South Butler Dragway, P.O. Box 331, Savannah NY 13146. His family expresses sincere appreciation to his caretakers from Lifetime Care, his Dragway friends, the Bishop family, and others who’ve offered support and kindness.
Met Davie thru work, remember having a lot of enjoyable days and evenings talking about cars and life in general also wondering where the world was going. one thing we shared was a general dislike for computers. Lost track of him after retirement, he will be missed.
to my loving husband. you were and are the love of my life forever. miss you so much. Hot rod does too. Your at peace and connecting with other hot rodders. I’ll be with you again someday. love you