Edward T. Pierce, DMD, of Manhasset, Southampton and Jensen Beach, Florida, died on March 5. He was 89.
Born July 2, 1925, in Manhasset to Anna Marion and William Joseph Pierce, he graduated from Xavier Military Academy in Manhattan and served his country as an ensign on a U.S. naval ship and destroyer, the USS Nelson, in the Pacific during World War II. He graduated from Fordham University and Tufts Dental School and practiced in Manhasset for 45 years as an orthodontist.
He was a former president of the New York State Society of Orthodontics, past commodore of Port Washington Yacht Club, former director of the Dime Savings Bank, member of the Knights of Columbus, member of the American Legion, lieutenant governor of Kiwanis International and past commander of the Manhasset Bay Power Squadron. He was an avid boater and enjoyed fishing and trapshooting.
Survivors said he was know for being positive and appreciative and that he had a great sense of humor and loved his big family more than anything else.
He married the former Janice Sellars, who survives him, on August 25, 1951. He is survived by seven children, Roger and wife Fran Mele, Daphne and husband “Skip” Cannata, Stevan, Jeffrey and wife Barbara Brady, Holly and husband Rich Browne, Cynthia and husband Joe McGuinness, Deidra and husband Chris Maleno; and 20 grandchildren, Erin and Matt Cannata; Tom and Marie Pierce; Michael Pierce; Katie and Chris Wootton; Kevin, Dan, Eileen, Tim, Brendan, Michael and Ryan Browne; Megan, Patrick and Conor McGuinness; and Max, Alex and Megan Maleno. He is also survived by four siblings, Bill and wife Pauline Pierce, Bernadette, John and Sister Ann Marie Pierce, IHM. He was predeceased by a son, Edward, who died at the age of 1 month.