William Robert "Bill" Pierce
Jan 16, 1933 -
Feb 8, 2025
Longtime Alaska resident William "Bill" Pierce, 92, passed away on Feb. 8, 2025, at his daughter's home in Spokane, Wash.
Bill was born in Hackettstown, N.J., to Joseph Pierce and Appolenia Feltes Pierce. He was the third of seven children. Bill loved history, reading, traveling, going on drives, spending time in nature, drawing and painting. Those who knew him remember him as hard-working, honest and kind-hearted.
In 1967, he traveled to Alaska after living in California for a few years. He was seeking a new adventure and made it his permanent home. He initially went to Fairbanks but eventually settled in Anchorage, where he was an extraordinarily devoted and doting father to his only daughter. He also spent time in Seward, Trapper Creek, Kotzebue, and Juneau, Alaska. He loved exploring the place he loved most. During the later years of his life, he lived in Houston and Wasilla. He was always proud of Alaska, his chosen home.
Bill was fiercely independent. Although he had some health challenges, he was still living independently in Wasilla until a few months before his death. Even though he was a quiet man who appreciated time alone, he had a few lifelong friends and made friends and acquaintances wherever he went, whether at his apartment building, the bank or the grocery store.
He is survived by his daughter, Jerrilyn Pierce Alonso (Ivan) of Spokane; three grandchildren, Elian Sanchez, Emmanuel Sanchez and Leila Alonso; brother, John Pierce of Catheys Valley, Calif.; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased in death by his parents, Joseph Pierce and Appolenia Feltes Pierce; and five of his siblings, James Pierce, Katherine Pierce, Mary Joan Castner, Margaret Pierce and Joseph Richard Pierce.
Bill requested no public funeral or memorial service. If you want to share your stories about him or offer condolences, please email wpierce116@hotmail.com and his daughter will contact you. You can also donate in his name to an animal shelter or Meals on Wheels program in Alaska.
