John Pierce, 74, phys ed teacher
John Pierce, 74, of Philadelphia, a retired elementary school physical education teacher, died Thursday, May 26, of cancer at a hospice in Christiana, Del.
John Pierce, 74, of Philadelphia, a retired elementary school physical education teacher, died Thursday, May 26, of cancer at a hospice in Christiana, Del.
Known to family as "Johnny," Mr. Pierce was a native of Chester, Md., on Kent Island, the largest island in the Chesapeake Bay. He was the sixth of eight children born to Lina Pauls and Percy Pierce Sr.
Mr. Pierce graduated from Kennard High School in Centreville, Md., in 1959, and earned a degree in biology and physical education in 1963 from what is now the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.
In 1964, Mr. Pierce was drafted by the Army and stationed in Phoenixville, where he worked as a medic for two years. He also did postgraduate study at St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia.
For 33 years, before retiring in 1999, he taught physical education at Ludlow Elementary School in North Philadelphia. He also coached basketball.
In recognition of his contributions to the city's schoolchildren, Mr. Pierce received the Liberty Bell award of service from then-Mayor Ed Rendell in 1995.
Daughter Vonetta C. Pierce said her father was known as "a caring mentor, trusted friend, and influential educator to not only students, but to parents and faculty alike."
On retiring in 1999, Mr. Pierce received a second citation from the city for his decades of service.
During his years in education, he also worked for the U.S. Postal Service at 30th Street in West Philadelphia as a keypunch operator.
On Saturdays, his only day off, he went to the North Philadelphia neighborhood where he taught. He took fatherless boys to ball games, to lunch, or just to get a haircut. At Christmastime, he bought and wrapped toys, hats, and gloves so that the boys would have a gift to open on Christmas morning.
"He never wanted the children to know the gifts were from him," his daughter said. For many years, he also volunteered with the Special Olympics.
In 1965, he married Janice Elizabeth Lewis. They lived in Philadelphia for almost 40 years before moving to New Castle, Del., in 2004.
He played softball with his 30th Street post office colleagues. In addition, he worked as a lifeguard during the summer for several years. He enjoyed watching baseball, football, and basketball.
His daughter described Mr. Pierce as a thoughtful, caring man nurtured by family and faith.
Among his last words were: "I look back on my life, and I can't believe how much God has blessed me. There's no need to worry about me. God will never leave me. So if you know God, you know I'm OK."
His wife died in 2009. Besides his daughter, he is survived by sons Joseph, Keith, and Kevin; another daughter, Cynthia; 11 grandchildren; two brothers; three sisters; and nieces and nephews.
Services were Saturday, June 4, at Old Fort U.A.M.E. Church in Christiana, Del. He was buried in Chester, Md.
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