Harold Pierse Of Hobe Sound, Florida, Dies February 12

Harold E. Pierse

Harold E. Pierse died on February 12, surrounded by family, at his home in Hobe Sound, Florida. He was 98 and the father of Carol Laffey of Southampton

Born in Brooklyn on February 11, 1915, Mr. Pierse always called New York home. However, there was also an allegiance to Florida, as golf quickly became his favorite sport. He resided in Hobe Sound for the past 24 years, moving to the area from Commack, where he raised his six children. He was a mechanical engineer for many years with Stone & Webster in New York. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering from Pratt Institute in Brooklyn.

Mr. Pierse was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, serving in the Pacific Theatre with the Army Corps of Engineers. When he was honorably discharged at the war’s end, he had achieved the rank of major. He was a member of the Retired Officer’s Association.

He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, and gentle, caring demeanor as a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, survivors said.

Mr. Pierse is survived by his wife of 63 years, Barbara. They were engaged on the sands of Jones Beach and after moving to Florida, coming back to the Long Island beaches became a tradition, as they traveled to New York to enjoy the company of family and friends by the water.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by four daughters, Linda M. Unterstein of Shoreham, Joann P. Williams of Florida., Carol A. Laffey of Southampton and Patricia Jean Ortmann of Lindenhurst; a son, John H. Pierse of Connecticut; his sister, Rita Mercer of Florida; 12 grandchildren, Eben Williams, Bob Unterstein, Chris Unterstein, Michael Unterstein, Kevin Unterstein, Meghan Pierse, Lauren Pierse, Kelly Laffey, Sean Laffey, Katie Laffey, Zachery Ortmann and Carlyanne Ortmann; and one great-grandchild, baby Bella Williams.

He was predeceased by a daughter, Susan E. Pierse; and a brother, Albert Pierse.

A memorial service was held on February 20 at St. Christopher’s RC Church

A funeral Mass will be held at the Basilica Parish of Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary on Hill Street in Southampton on March 1 at 11 a.m. for family and friends. Burial will follow at Calverton National Cemetery.