Steven O. Pierce, 78

July 02, 2025

Steven (Steve) O. Pierce, 78, of Willow Street, passed away on July 2, 2025. Born in Leavenworth, Kansas, he was the son of the late Charles and Josephine Pierce.

Steve attended Pittsburg State University in Kansas, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in History. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War as a member of the 101st Airborne Division, ultimately leaving the service with the rank of Captain. His time in the military was a source of deep pride and shaped much of his thoughtful, steady presence throughout life.

Steve was a devoted husband, father, and “MePaw”. He shared 18 wonderful years with his beloved wife, Kathleen (Kathy) Mayberry, whom he adored. Together, they nurtured a life full of curiosity, humor, and shared passions. Steve and Kathy delighted in collecting vintage postcards and were regulars at postcard shows, where they hunted for hidden gems and connected over history and nostalgia. They especially loved their travels to Maine, cherishing its coastal charm and quiet beauty.

His quick wit and playful spirit made him a joy to all who knew him. He was rarely seen without a book in hand or piled next to his favorite comfortable recliner. He had a remarkable gift for wordplay, often delighting family and friends with puns, rhymes, and the occasional limerick. He was as tickled to celebrate and share space for the comedy of others as he was to land the punchline himself, always reserving a chuckle for the classic antics of Dick Van Dyke, Mel Brooks, and Steve Martin and Dan Aykroyd’s “wild and crazy” characters.

He held a deep commitment to co-parenting his daughters with his first wife, Poppy, and together they provided a lasting example of mutual respect, enduring friendship, and love. His role as a father was one he embraced with love, humor, presence, and steadfast care.

Steve was also a passionate model train enthusiast and loved tinkering with electronics. He leveraged his love of electronics into a career, spending 20 years with IBM and another 15 years running the computer helpdesk at Pennsylvania State University. After retiring, these hobbies led him to become an active member of both the model train and computer clubs at Willow Valley. A lifelong student of history, particularly American and British, he had a unique fascination with naval history, especially battleships, a somewhat unexpected passion for someone raised in landlocked Kansas.

In addition to Kathy, Steve is survived by his daughters, Katie Mack (Bryan) and Erin Pierce (Matt Dallos); his cherished grandchildren, Josh, Sam, Henry, and Eddie; his sister, Corliss Fox; and his nephews, Doug Fox and Jeff Fox.

A memorial service will be held at the Spring Run of Willow Valley on July 17 at 10 am. Steve will be laid to rest with military honors at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Steve’s name to Pittsburg State University in Kansas or Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, PA.

His memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him—through laughter, stories, and the countless small joys he brought into the world.

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