Neil Allen Peirce, 78, a long time resident of Swanzey and formerly of Keene died on Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at Cheshire Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Keene. He passed peacefully after a period of declining health with his family near.
Neil was born the son of the late N. Ruth (Allen) and Guy N. Peirce on December 14, 1936 in Townshend, VT at Grace Cottage Hospital. He was educated in Townshend and graduated from Leland and Gray Seminary High School class of 1954. Neil enlisted in the U.S. Army National Guard shortly after marrying his first wife Loretta (McRae) in 1959. He would later bring his wife to Grace Cottage Hospital (while living in Keene) to have his mom Ruth deliver his 4 children. Ruth was a registered nurse for many years at Grace Cottage until her retirement.
On March 7, 1981 he exchanged vows with Barbara J. Paige. at the Community Church in West Swanzey. They were married with family and friends in attendance. Sadly Barbara passed after twenty eight years of marriage.
Neil was gainfully employed as a Machinist at Kingsbury in Keene for almost thirty years until his retirement in 1994.
He liked to hunt, fish and go four wheeling. In his younger years he was known for playing football, baseball and was a member of the Glee Club and Dramatics in high school. He was also very good at skiing and a bit of a dare devil by participating in local ski jump competitions. Later he took to much less dangerous activities such as pool, darts and bowling. He even won a state championship one year for Ten Pin Bowling.
Mr. Peirce is survived by his children and their spouses; Lori S. Peirce of Phoenix, AZ. Todd A. Peirce of Northfield, MA. Thomas E. Peirce and his wife Kathy of Auburn NH and Kathy L. Peirce of Phoenix, AZ. His children from a combined marriage; Rhonda Smith and her husband Mark of Swanzey, Bruce Rockwell Jr. of Swanzey and Melissa Rockwell of Swanzey. Grandchildren; Jessica, Ross, Trey, Chase, Timothy, Matthew, Candice, Nicholas, Jeffrey, Devin, Mark Jr., Kristy, Matt, Mike, Bruce III, Brian, Darren, Nicholas, Ashley and Alexis. Great Grandchildren; Preston, Kaylee, Treigh, Landon, Dillan, Payton, Tarrin, Nicholas and Cameron.
In addition he leaves cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He is pre-deceased by his daughter in-law Crescent J. Peirce who passed on June 1, 2011.
A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, July 18th at 10 am in the funeral home. Burial will follow in the family lot at Oak Hill Cemetery in West Swanzey, with military honors to follow. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home and Crematories, 46 South Winchester St. Swanzey, NH. 03446. www.cheshirefamilyfuneralhome.com
