Richard Pierce

Richard Dana Pierce, A.K.A St. Dick, A.K.A. THE King was released from Cancer on January 17, 2022. Richard was born to Irving ("Skip") Bowen and Ann Elizabeth Pierce on March 25, 1951 in Concord, MA. He spent his childhood throughout the East Coast, primarily in Connecticut, with a stint in Bermuda.

He proudly graduated from Lawrence Academy in Groton, MA and then from Cornell University in 1973. After a short gig running a night club in Ithaca, NY, he was recruited by the University of WI – Madison, where he spent the entirety of his career managing the facilities of the WI Union. Richard spent many years advocating for the Facilities Management profession via the International Facilities Management Association (IFMA), ultimately serving as Chairman of the Board. His work with IFMA allowed for global travel and experiences that he treasured.

However, his greatest passion was for his Little Women and especially the Love of his Life, Pam, whom he was married to for 40 years. No one has ever loved retirement more – he spent it creating culinary feasts for those he loved, kayaking & biking, restoring cast off furniture to its prior glory, home improvement projects, and of course, curb shopping and dumpster diving. (Madison, WI residents note: there will be extra inventory this Hippie Christmas without him!) He was greeted by those who preceded him – his older brother, John Bowen Pierce, and his parents. He is survived and missed by many, including his wife; two daughters, Tina (Pierce) Nelson and Whitney Pierce; 3 granddaughters, Ruthie (15), Dottie (12) and Cordelia (7); and son-in-law, Nate.

Till we meet again, we’ll all remember his advice & instructions:

• Never finish a drink you don’t like…get a new one

• Don’t stand on ceremony

• Eat while it’s hot

• Sleep tight, don’t let the Zimperumpazoos bite

• Work hard, play hard, and don’t talk to strangers

• Don’t borrow trouble

• What looks large from a distance, close up ain’t never that big (Bob Dylan)

A Celebration of Life will be held April 22nd at 3:00 at Blackhawk Church 9620 Brader Way, Middleton, WI 53562. Libations to follow (location TBA).