Northborough – Richard W. Pierson, affectionately known by all as “Dick,” passed away without warning Jan. 19, 2021. He was 86 years old and the beloved husband of Mary Jane (Vrooman) Pierson.
Dick was born in Cleveland, Ohio, one of three children to the late Willis T. and Mary (Kocka) Pierson. He studied at Marietta College where he was awarded a Bachelor’s degree, and later received his Master’s degree in History from Clark University.
While enrolled at Marietta, Dick was as a proud member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. He honed his competitive abilities as part of Marietta’s rowing team and upon his graduation, returned to coach the crew teams. Over the years Dick was instrumental in expanding the sport of competitive rowing within many of the North East colleges and universities. Dick would later coach Clark University’s crew teams to numerous victories. In his honor a rowing shell bears his name.
1n 1961 Dick relocated to Northborough. For most of his career Dick worked in the admissions office of Clark University, many of which he served as Clark’s Dean of Admissions until his retirement in 1995. Dick had a passion for travel and looked forward to the many global destinations for work and for pleasure. He was known for his exceptionally kind heart and giving ways. He was also known for being able to recommend places across the nation to find a great meal; just ask! Dick was an avid reader, most especially anything historical. He also found pleasure in hosting and attending social gatherings were he could spend time with friends; old and new alike. To Dick, the most important times in his life revolved around his family; he looked forward to following his children’s and later, his grandchildren’s many activities.
In addition to his devoted wife of 31 years, Mary Jane, Dick is survived by his so,n James Pierson and his wife Miranda of Mattapoisett; his two daughters, Susan Wiegersma of Douglas and Barbara Pierson of Worland, Mont.; and his beloved grandchildren, Charles and Steven McIntyre, James Pierson and Randy Wiegersma. Dick was preceded in death by his first wife, Marylouise (Landis) Pierson, in 1984 and by his siblings, Allan Pierson and Eleanor Matthews.
Calling hours will be held Sunday, Jan. 24, from2-4 p.m., at Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main St., Northborough. A funeral service will be held Monday, Jan. 25, at 10:30 a.m., in St. Bernadette Parish, 266 Main St., Northborough. Burial will follow in Cushing Cemetery of Mattapoisett. All services will follow current Massachusetts covid19 guidelines and gathering restrictions, please plan accordingly.
In lieu of flowers Dick’s family respectfully request donations be made to the Northborough Food Pantry, 37 Pierce St., Northborough, MA 01532 (www.nfpantry.org).
To leave a condolence, or to share a story, please visit www.HaysFuneralHome.com.
