"Ann - I\'m saddened to hear of the passing of your precious Rick...the love you shared will carry you through the days ahead. May God bring you Peace."
Richard "Rick" Lawrence Pierce, 66, of Portsmouth, RI, passed on unexpectedly on September 6, 2020, at the Charlton Memorial Hospital in Fall River.
Rick was born on March 4, 1954, in Fall River, MA, to the late John T. Pierce, Sr. and the late Mary (Mayes) Pierce. Rick was the husband of Ann Marie (Rocha) Pierce for the last 41 years.
Rick worked as the Director of Maintenance for 29 years at Electric Boat in North Kingstown, before retiring in 2003. An avid boater and fisherman, he had a passion for collecting and restoring old and antique outboard motors and hydroplane racing boats. He loved attending the various "wet" and "dry" motor-meets hosted by the AOMCI all over New England and treasured the being in the company of his fellow tinkerers.
A descendant of the Chippewa, Rick was enormously proud of his Native American heritage. He was an active and highly lauded member of the Pokanoket Tribe, a participant in their collective rituals and ceremonies until the day he died. Known as "Spirit Dog", Rick also served as "Head of the Drum" for the last 2 years and was a member of the Royal House of Pokanoket for the last 9 years. Rick also thoroughly enjoyed co-hosting their Strawberry Thanksgiving Event with his wife, Ann, for the last six years.
Rick was a life-time member of the Seaconnet Sportsman Club in Portsmouth, having that title honorably awarded to him for his work in building the addition to their building. Above all, Rick absolutely adored his grandchildren, Flo and Magoo, and could be seen almost daily giving them rides around the neighborhood on his tractor or golf cart. A warm and giving soul who was always there to lend a hand to a person in need, he will be deeply missed by all who knew him and of his generosity.
Besides his beloved wife, Ann, he is survived by his sons, Daniel and Michael Pierce, both of Portsmouth, his brother, John T. Pierce, Jr. and his wife Linda of Florida, his grandchildren, Florence "Flo" Pierce and Magnus "Magoo" Pierce, his nieces, Andrea Pierce and Joanna Watts, his nephews Ian Rocha and Matthew Rocha, both of Florida, his nephews Conlan McDonald of California and Aidan McDonald of Portsmouth, his mother-in-law, Maria Rocha of Portsmouth, and his sister-in-law, Rachel McDonald and her partner, Christopher Edenbach of Portsmouth.
Besides his parents, he was also predeceased by his father-in-law, Joseph V. Rocha, and his brother-in-law Vincent Rocha.
His funeral services will be held Sunday, June 27, 2021 at 1:00pm at Seaconnet Sportsmans Club, 145 Sakonnet Drive, Portsmouth, RI 02871
Memorial donations in his memory may be made to the Groden Center, 86 Mt. Hope Avenue, Providence, RI 02906, or to the St. Anthony's Food Pantry, 2836 East Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871.
"Ann - I\'m saddened to hear of the passing of your precious Rick...the love you shared will carry you through the days ahead. May God bring you Peace."
"What a beautiful tribute to such a wonderful man! I just ran into Rick a month ago and we would always have a conversation and he would make jokes, I will miss seeing him driving around. My thoughts and pr ayers are with his wife and family at this very difficult time. RIP Rick Always in our hearts! "
"Heart Full Of Prayer, let thiese simple words of love and condolences bring a little light to your family. Spirit Dog was a bueatyful soul who\'s gentleness touched all who met him. May Creator hold him in his hands and bring Peace to your Family. Granite"
"He will surely be Missed by many.. He was the best hugger ever nice big bear Hugs :-) I would love seeing him and Ann anytime at powwows and gatherings.. Sending you Smoke, Prayers and light for your journey ..till we meet again my friend RIP ... Xoxoxo "
"Rick was a great friend.I always looked foward to our golf cart rides with the grandchildren.We had so much fun at fort butts and at my house.The kids would feed my fish or look for one eyed willy the pirate at a boat in my yard or the big turtle in the woods.We had the grandchildren going for fun.We had such great talks about life and he would give me his advice that helped me alot.He was always willing to help out.He was a amazing Grandfather.Those kid loved him so much.I am really going to miss our fun days in the golf cart with the kids.We went everywere in the golf cart .Swinging at the tire swing playing pirate chase at the fort making pirate traps to heading to the high school passing the Big bears spot in the woods.To finding tennis balls and trying to catch butterflys with the grandchildren at the high school.Rick was a amazing man and a idle to me.Going to miss you buddy.May you rest in peace.Love you buddy."
"Deb Dutra"
"Rest in peace. I will miss bumping into you all over town. Your kind , gentle heart and ways showed me that no matter what was happening in our lives, good or not so good we should embrace life and those who walk in front of our path. There is always a reason for them to be there. We need to help me, listen to them and guide them by our beliefs. Thank you Rick. Deb Aguiar Dutra"
"Dear Ann, I\'m so sorry to hear of the death of Richard. You have my deepest sympathy and prayers. All our love Deacon Tom Ferreira and Evelyn"