Michael Joseph Pierce

CORNWALL — Michael Joseph Pierce, 71, of 15 Jewell St., died Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at his home surrounded by his family after a battle with cancer.  He was the husband of MaryAnn (Taylor) Packard.   Michael was born in Pittsfield on September 4, 1950, son of the late Walter and MaryAnn (Sibbio) Pierce.

Michael worked as an independent contractor in the landscape and gardening industry.  Prior to that he had owned and operated Rachel’s Restaurant in Pittsfield and was the head of operations at Camp Eisner in Great Barrington.

Michael loved sports.  He was an avid golfer and Dallas Cowboy fan.  He especially enjoyed following the UCONN Women’s Basketball team and coaching youth basketball.  Michael coached at the Cornwall Consolidated School for 10 years.  He coached his three boys, and shared coaching duties with his son Damien and daughter Amelia.

Michael also found time to volunteer for 15 years as the Community Health and Wellness Clinic in Torrington.  He served as vice president and as a member of the clinic’s board of directors.  However, there was nothing that made Michael more proud then spending time with his four grandchildren.

In addition to his wife Michael is survived by his children:  Jonathan Pierce and Jason Pierce, both of Pittsfield; Rachel Pierce Fisher of Colorado; Damien Davis and his partner Katy of West Cornwall; Aaron Packard of North Providence, R.I., and Amelia Packard of Cornwall. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Alex and Max Pierce of Pittsfield, Logan Hern of Cornwall and Jasmine Bright of West Cornwall.

A Celebration of Michael’s life will be held on Saturday, May 14 at 1:00 p.m. in the United Church of Christ in Cornwall, Congregational, 8 Bolton Hill Road, Cornwall.  There are no calling hours.  Memorial donations may be made to the World Central Kitchen, 200 Massachusetts Ave. NW, 7th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001. Its website also accepts donations. Go to www.wck.org.  Arrangements are under the care of the Newkirk-Palmer Funeral Home, 118 Main St., Canaan.

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