Obituary of Donald I. Pierce

Donald I. Pierce, 85, of Halfmoon and Bradenton FL., passed surrounded by his loving family on Monday, February 13, 2017 at Tidewell Hospice in Bradenton. He was born in Schenectady, NY on October 3, 1931 and was the son of the late Fred A. and Elizabeth Koch Pierce. Don was a graduate of Burnt Hills High School, class of 1949 and was a graduate of Hudson Valley Community College receiving an Associates Degree in Business Administration. Don was employed at the General Electric Co. in Schenectady as a Industrial Model Maker, retiring in 1988 after 38 years and continued working as the owner of Clifton Model Co for 16 years, where he built industrial scale models. Don attended Clifton Park United Methodist Church for many years. He loved to spend time with his beloved grandchildren. He also loved to travel and spend his winters in Florida. Don enjoyed spending time outdoors and was an avid camper, fisherman, golfer and hunter. He was also a skilled craftsman. He never ceased to add a smile to the faces of all he knew. Don was predeceased by his wife of 47 years, Patricia H. Krawetz Pierce in 2002. He remarried in 2005 and is survived by his wife, Marlene K. Carmichael Pierce. He is also survived by his children, William F. (Kathleen) Pierce of Clifton Park and Donna H. (Gary) Spellman of Delmar; his beloved grandchildren, Brian Spellman, Sean Spellman, Kaleigh Spellman and Kara Pierce; his sister; Shirley A. (Thomas) Fox; his stepchildren, Ira (Connie) Carmichael, Jason (Kelsey) Carmichael, Susan (Terry) Roark, Sheri Carmichael and Sharon (Jeff) Yoder; and also survived by many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and dear friends. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday February 22, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at the Gordon C. Emerick Funeral Home, 1550 Route 9 in Clifton Park. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. A calling hour will precede the service from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will immediately follow with full military honors at the Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville. Those who would like to remember Don in a special way may make memorial contributions in his name to the Saratoga County Hospice, 179 Lawrence St. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.