Hartland, Vermont

Patrick Raymond Pierce Jr. or affectionately known as "PJ, Patrick, Peaches or Popeye" peacefully passed away surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, March 28, 2026 after his courageous battle with rare brain cancer.

PJ was born to May (Wilson) Pierce and Patrick R. Pierce Sr. (Pat) on November 20, 1983 in Hanover, NH. He grew up in Pomfret VT attending grade school and later high school in Woodstock graduating in June 2002.

As a lifetime Vermonter, PJ was a bit of a hellion in his early days before meeting and settling down marrying his best friend and soulmate Erika on October 17, 2009. They soon started a family welcoming their daughter Mackenzie Lee on May 6, 2011 and two years later their son Ethan Scott on May 3, 2013. PJ became the best dedicated father; always attentive, devoted and admired by others as such. In addition to his family, PJ enjoyed numerous 100+ mile motorcycle rides, snowmobiling and camping. He often enjoyed deer hunting and being an avid fisherman as well. PJ loved staying busy and being outdoors as much as possible in all the seasons. He and his son Ethan (and sometimes Mackenzie), would regularly fill a generous stringer with trout during those summer days. In the winter, when not snowmobiling, PJ could often be found on the ice, fishing for the "big one" on various lakes and ponds in the upper valley with whomever wanted to brave the cold with him.

PJ easily made friends and took a sincere interest in everyone's story no matter what it was. He had a wry sense of humor and would add quick quips to any conversation causing smirks and laughter from those nearby. If you were lucky, you'd see him tickled from your reactions with a twinkle in his bright blue eyes. PJ was one of those selfless individuals who would do nearly anything to help nearly anyone at nearly any time of day. He was a great friend to so many and always shared or inspired a smile and laughter with everyone he met and often through jokes he never forgot.

Most recently he was the General Service Manager at Valley Artesian Well in Ascutney, Vermont leading the pump service crew. PJ's knowledge and helpful demeanor earned him the respect of many residents and contractors throughout the Upper Valley of both Vermont and New Hampshire. He was admired and appreciated by his coworkers, extended work family, and colleagues across the well water business where he will be dearly missed by all those that had the pleasure of meeting him.

Last January, PJ was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor which was then determined to be a rare cancerous disease. He submitted to treatments and even though this disease slowly stole him piece-by-piece, throughout the entire journey in true Vermont grit fashion, he waged the most courageous, selfless, brave, humble and dignified struggle that has reached its end.

Before passing on, PJ shared that he was leaving this world with few regrets, having accomplished and enjoyed more than he ever dreamed possible both in his youth and with his wife and kids. His only disappointment was not being able to continue to care for his family and see his children reach adulthood while spending more of his grey years with his wife.

PJ was predeceased by both sets of his grandparents; Bertha (Potwin) and Scott Pierce, Clarissa (Small) and Wayne Wilson Sr., his father Patrick R. Pierce Sr.; aunts: Mary (Wilson) Chamberlain, Marge (Wilson) Thibodeau, Leona (Wilson) LaFountain, Joyce (Wilson) Piper; uncle: Wayne W. Wilson, Jr. and several other beloved family and friends.

PJ is survived by his wife Erika, daughter Mackenzie and son Ethan; mother May (Wilson) Pierce of Quechee, VT; older sister Valerie (Pierce) and her husband Joshua Sanderson of Hartland, VT; younger sister Jennifer (Pierce) Towne and companion Jason Dow with children Dakota, Hailey and Wesleynn of West Windsor, VT; uncle Ernest "Ernie" Wilson of Woodstock, VT and several more extended family on both his and his wife's side as well as so many friends and colleagues stretched far and wide.

A celebration of life will be held at the Woodstock High School gymnasium in Woodstock, VT on Saturday, 04/25/2026 at 1:00pm. Refreshments, stories and pictures to be shared immediately following. There will be no burial at this time. Donations can be made via the current donation page found here: https://gofund.me/f790bd6cf .