Harold Pierce

Harold Woodruff Pierce, 94, of Fruita, CO, died on Monday, May 30, 2022, at Community Hospital in Grand Junction, CO. He was born on July 31,1927, in Camden, NJ, to Woodruff James Pierce and Lydia Potterton Pierce. He spent his childhood in Berlin, NJ, where he loved fishing in the park. He recently reminisced about fishing along Black Run Stream. Most summers were split between Stone Harbor and Ocean City and at the age of 16, Harold took his first job at Shriver’s Salt Water Taffy.

Harold graduated from Haddon Heights High School in 1945 and was drafted into the US Navy that same year during WWII. While stationed in Bayonne, NJ, Harold was assigned to decommissioning The USS Wasp. In 1946, he separated from the Navy and attended the New Jersey State Teachers College where he obtained a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Education. After graduation, he was recalled to active duty in 1950. He served as a shopkeeper during the Korean War until 1953. After the war, he started teaching at Gibbsboro School and worked at Clementon Lake Park during the summer.

On June 23, 1951, he married Elaine Virginia Stafford in Berlin, NJ. Over the next 38 years, they had and raised 4 children in Berlin, NJ and Ocean City, NJ. Harold worked as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, then district supervisor after he obtained his Master’s Degree. He held positions at Lower Camden County High School, now known as Overbrook Junior High School, and Edgewood Regional Junior High School. He retired from Lower Camden County Regional School District in 1981. Elaine and Harold were active members of Centenary United Methodist Church and Long-a-Coming Historical Society. Harold was a Hunter Safety Instructor and longtime member of Alpha Gun Club. They traveled extensively, all over the world, but enjoyed spending time at the beach in Ocean City and Florida the most. On January 31,1990, the love of Harold’s life, Elaine, passed away after a long battle with breast cancer. After her passing, Harold made Florida his full-time home.

On April 28, 1996, Harold married Lottie Mae Robinson. They spent 10 years together traveling, attending Scottish games, eating dessert first, and splitting their time between Asheville, NC and Vero Beach, FL. On November 28, 2006, Lottie passed away. After Lottie’s passing, Harold remained in Vero Beach and spent long periods of time visiting his children throughout the year.

In 2007, Harold relocated to Myrtle Beach, SC. He attended the Little River United Methodist Church, enjoyed golfing, and loved spending time at the beach.

In 2014 Harold made his way to Fruita, CO, where he became a member of American Legion 2006, Monument View Bible Church, and the Senior Men's League at Adobe Creek National Golf Course.

Harold loved fishing, his Scottish heritage, attending church, going to the gym, and relaxing in the hot tub. One of the highlights of his year was riding in the Grand Junction 4th of July Parade with Vettes for Vets. Harold’s greatest joy came from spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, friends and furry family members.

Harold was predeceased by Sons-in-Law William Yonker in 2012 and Daniel Bruscella in 2015. He is survived by Amanda Bruscella of Longs, SC, Melissa Yonker of Herriman, UT, Harold “Hal” (Marie) Pierce of Atco, NJ, Emma-Leigh (Mark) Larsen of Fruita, CO, 7 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Monument View Bible Church, 1173 17 ½ Rd., Fruita, CO, on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, from 6:00-7:00 PM. Light refreshments to follow.

Interment will take place at Berlin Cemetery, 40 Clementon Rd., Berlin, NJ, on Friday, July 29, 2022, at 10:30 AM. Lunch to follow at the Alpha Gun Club, 442 3rd. St., Atco, NJ.