Born on May 5, 1942, in Olean, he was a son of Earl and Mildred (Fahy) Pierce. On February 2, 1964, in Olean, he married the former Mary M. Kelley who predeceased him on November 16, 2022.

John attended Allegany High School. He worked for Kline Cutlery in Bolivar for twenty-five years in many different roles, but retired as the custodian in 2008.

He loved to hunt, fish, and enjoyed raising his coon hunting dogs. Around the home he enjoyed gardening. John was a member of the Inavale Grange #1248 and the Stateline Coon Hunters Association.

He leaves behind his children Robert Pierce, Lucretia “Luann” Pierce, Arlene (Kenneth) Austin, all of Bolivar, Jenny Pierce, of Richburg, Tina (Rob) Farrell, of Bolivar and Tim (Steph) Pierce, of Richburg; a special niece and caregiver Kirstea (Trevor); his grandchildren Kameron (Jaimee Brown), Aleesha (Dathan), Jacqui (Troy Riehle), Tony (Mary), Adam (Jordan Golish), CJ (Kc Cone), Mikhaela, Michael, MacKenzie, Hanna (Jeffrey), Katie, and Emma, 24 great grandchildren; a brother Richard Pierce of Bradford; two sisters in law Brenda Pierce of Limestone and Reba Pierce of Allegany; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by his siblings Betty (Larry) Benson, Henry “Skip” (Marge), Lyle, Tom (Irene), Howard “Donald”, and his twin brother Jerry (Mary) Pierce.

Friends will be received at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 554 S. Main Street, Bolivar, on Thursday, December 4, 2025 from Noon until 1:00 P.M. with a Memorial Service to follow at 1:00 P.M. The Rev. Timothy Taylor, pastor of Cross Town Alliance Church in Shinglehouse, will officiate.