Grove City, Pennsylvania - We are sad to announce the passing of our father, brother, grandpa and great-grandpa, Howard Lee Pierce, 92. He passed away peacefully in his sleep after a short illness at AHN Grove City Hospital.

Howard was born on April 29, 1933, in Richmond, Ind. He was one of seven children born to the late Vernon and Mildred Ruth (Henson) Pierce.

Howard worked the farm with his dad, brother and mother until joining the United States Marines after high school in 1951. While serving, Howard witnessed an atomic bomb blast in Nevada when the United States was testing. He then served a 1-year tour in the Korean War as a teletype operator with the 1st Marine Division, Signal Battalion. He served for 3 years.

Howard married the love of his life, Dorothy Caroline (Porter) on Dec. 12, 1953. He and the family lived in Richmond, Indiana, for 19 years before moving to Cranberry Township, in 1972 because of his job. He retired in 1985 following a career as a technical service representative for ALCOA. He and his wife lived in Cranberry Township until 1994, when they moved to Grove City. They also enjoyed 24 years of snow-birding to the Ocala, Fla., area.

Howard was preceded in death by loving wife of almost 70 years; three brothers, Vernon Jr., Paul Edward, Elmer "Bud" Alonzo; and two sisters, Ann Marie (Porter) and Karen Jean (Phillips).

Howard is survived by his loving sister Joyce "Baby Jo" Joan, Daytona Beach, Fla.; three children, Phillip (Lynn) Vernon, Mercer, Darlene (Steve, deceased) Kay Turner, Pittsburgh, and Charles Elmer, Grove City.

He was loved by his grandchildren, Jason (Rainey) Phillip, Devils Lake, N.D., Jennifer (James Wasser, deceased) Lynn, Grove City, Christa (Jake DiBattista), Ellwood City, Branden (Christiana) Howard, Willow Grove, and Breanna (Nathan Painter) Nicole, Kathleen, Ga. His great-grandchildren are Jamie (Luke) Lynn, Lindsay Jane and Eris Pearl, N.D., Emma Grace, Grove City, Remmi Mae and Waylon Van, Kathleen Ga., Joshua and Josiah, Ellwood City; and step-great-grandchildren D'Artangnan and Forrester of North Dakota

He also leaves behind many friends who enjoyed watching and listening to him sing karaoke and play his guitar.

Howard was an avid bowler and golfer with bragging rights to three holes-in-ones. In his younger years, he pitched fast-pitch baseball. He thoroughly enjoyed smoking a good cigar after each meal while reading his Zane Grey Westerns.

Howard set the standard for the Pierce men and showed his daughter how a woman should be loved and cherished. He was a man of honor, strength and principle. Howard was a hard worker and a stern but loving and caring father.

The family has strong faith and belief that he sits in heaven with his mom, dad and wife. His physical body may be gone, but his spirit will live on through all of us.

The family wishes to acknowledge their gratitude to Tiffany Knepper, RN, the third-floor nursing unit as well as the ICU team at AHN-Grove City for their professional care and dedication.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Slippery Rock Volunteer Fire Department and Rescue, 162 Elm St., Slippery Rock, PA 16057.

PIERCE

Howard Lee, 92, Grove City.

Calling hours: 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday (11-25-25) and 11 a.m. to time of service Wednesday (11-26-25) at the SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 421 New Castle St., Slippery Rock.

Services: Noon Wednesday with Pastor Boyd Smith and Pastor Andy Frey officiating.

Interment: Slippery Rock Cemetery, with full military honors.