MSgt Ronald Arthur Pierce USAF (Ret.)

WINTHROP – Master Sargent (MSgt) Ronald Arthur Pierce, United States Air Force, (Retired) passed away May 16, 2022, at the US Veterans Hospital, Togus, Maine.

Ron (Ronnie to his family) was born to Malcolm “Bud” and Pauline (Berry) Pierce on Nov. 28, 1950, in Augusta. He grew up in Augusta attending local schools and graduating from Cony High School in 1970.

In 1971 Ron married his high school sweetheart Sandra Blaisdell and remained married for 49 years until her passing in 2020. Together they raised two children Randy and Regan and their grandson Jordon.

In 1974 Ron felt the calling to do something more. That something was to join the United States Air Force. MSgt Pierce joined the USAF in January of 1974 serving 24 years retiring in January of 2000. Through his military tenure the family was stationed at Griffiths Air Force base in Rome, NY where he was assigned to the Readiness and Security Force. Then it was on to Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. After six years of being a TSgt Drill Instructor it was time for his over-sea’s deployment to the island of Shemya at Shemya Air Force Base, 200 miles from Russia at the end of the Aleutian Island chain. In true Ronnie fashion and sticking to his conscientious military discipline when asked what he did in Alaska he said, “that is Classified Information”. For the remaining years of service until retirement, the family was stationed at Grand Forks AFB in Grand Forks, ND.

Over the years Ronnie received many commendations and awards including: five Air Force Commendation Medals for Meritorious Service, an award for Launching a “Meteorological Rocket” from Shemya (now we know what you did), Airman of the month, Honor Guard award and too many others to list. Let’s just say he made his family proud.

After his military service, Ron entered the civilian work force and was employed by Amazon.com in Grand Forks, ND

In 2017 Ron and Sandra decided it was time to move back home to Maine, and that they did. Settling in Winthrop to be close to family, the ocean, and their pastime love of touring lighthouses along their beloved coast of Maine.

In addition to his parents and the love of his life Sandra, Ron was predeceased by his daughter Regan, his father-in-law Richard Blaisdell and nephew Casey Cloutier

Surviving him is his son Randy Pierce of Grand Forks, ND; grandson Jordon Pierce of Winthrop; brothers Richard Pierce of Pittston, Gary Pierce of Chelsea, and his sister Susan Cloutier of Winthrop; along with nieces, nephews, in-laws, and extended family.

Burial with full military honors will take place Thursday, June 9, 2022, at 10 a.m. within the Committal Shelter, at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Civic Center Drive, Augusta.

Arrangements are in the care of the Roberts Funeral Home, 62 Bowdoin St. Winthrop. Friends may share memories, condolences, and photos with the family on the obituary page at http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com.