Michael W. Pierce

Michael Winfield Pierce was born on November 26, 1953, in Saint Louis, Missouri. He was the son of the late Vincenza (Friel) and John Pierce, and the loving father of Vincenza Michelle Pierce Panaifo. In addition to his daughter, he is survived by brothers Randy (Rebecca), Dennis (his identical twin), and Richard (Nicole). Uncle Mike will be dearly missed by his nephew, John Pierce-Gomez, nieces Denise Pierce Del Rosario (his goddaughter), Abigail Pierce, Vanessa (Esteban) Teran, Caitlin (Weston) Kissee, and Kara Pierce, great nephews Sebastian and Leonardo Teran and Topher, Crawford and Arlo Kissee, and, of course, his cat, Alfonso. Mike grew up and made a life here in the Show Me state. He was an active member of Cub Scout Pack, Boy Scout Troop, and Explorer Post 362. He made many life-long friendships and learned a variety of outdoor, survival, and life skills with the Scouts. He graduated from Maplewood Richmond Heights High School in 1972. His mother was his French teacher there, and his classmates voted him “Most Individual.” He went on to Webster University, graduating with a BA in English, then continued his education at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, receiving an MS in Psychology. He loved to be active. Mike ran many marathons and rode his bicycle (approximately 3,000 miles) across the U.S. His motorcycle took him to multiple countries around the world. Back home, you could often find him swimming for hours at the Webster Recreation Center. He gave up a successful career as a stockbroker in San Francisco to serve his country and protect us all as a Marine Corps officer. He served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Africa, and Latin America. In Africa he used his French language skills to coordinate counter-terrorism efforts with French Foreign Legion forces. In Latin America, he used his Spanish skills to direct counter-narcotics operations in Amazonian Peru with Peruvian forces. He retired from the Marine Corps as a full colonel. Following his military service, he attended Washington University, graduating with honors and a Master of Social Work degree. He used this degree to provide social services to military veterans. During his time in Peru while serving in the Marine Corps, he became the father of his only child, naming this beautiful daughter in honor of his mother. Vincenza was born on October 7, 2002, and he brought her to live with him in St. Louis when she was a teenager. He would tell everyone that she was the person he loved most in the whole world and that nothing would change that fact. He loved life and valued world culture and diversity. He traveled with his father and twin brother to the Dominican Republic, Peru, Mexico, the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand. He took his daughter around the world to Thailand, Italy, Peru, the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and all over the United States. His “adventure trips” with his daughter, twin brother, niece, and nephew, brought them to New Orleans, Disney World, New York City, and Washington D.C. He loved music and his hometown of St. Louis. Mike would often take Mississippi River cruises to enjoy his favorite music, the blues. He became best friends with and ultimately the primary caregiver for his beloved father, Paw. They shared many hobbies and had animated conversations regarding firearms and hunting. Both were excellent shots and long-time members of the Gemmer Muzzle-Loading Gun Club. Mike was known for his humor and, even in the most difficult moments, would try to make everyone laugh. After numerous surgeries during his courageous battle with cancer, he requested that James Brown’s “Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag” be added to his music playlist. He returned to and deepened his religious beliefs later in life and would at times share in a prayer before dinner. Michael Pierce touched so many lives in an all-too-short life. He will be missed dearly by all who had the great fortune to know him. Donations in his honor may be made to Washington University Brown School of Social Work. https://giving.wustl.edu Semper Fi. Always faithful.

Michael W. Pierce

November 26, 1953 - August 21, 2022