Rest In Peace Lion Chip

Born in 1947 on a snowy night in Oswego, NY, he resembled his father so much that the nurses claimed he was a “chip off the old block” and he has been known as Chip ever since.

He graduated from St. Paul’s Academy in 1961, and went on to attend Oswego’s Catholic High School, graduating in 1965. Chip attended Niagara University and earned his BS in 1969. Soon after college graduation, he married the love of his life, Baiba (Ercums) Pierce, longtime Oswego, NY resident, now of Apex, NC.

Chip began his career in education, teaching at G. Ray Bodley high school in Fulton, NY. In 1974, he transitioned into the office equipment business with Usherwood Business Equipment, where his success led him to then join the insurance agency of his father, Will Pierce, at the Northwestern Mutual Life agency in Oswego. He continued his career in insurance and spent 10+ years at Utica National Life Insurance, leaving as Asst. VP.

Retirement brought Chip south, to settle near his daughter and son and their families in Apex, NC. He was blessed to be able to find outlets in the local community to express his creative side, working with the Peak City Singers, and the Halle Cultural Arts Center. The southern temperatures also allowed Chip to enjoy many seasons of golf with the Tarheel Senior golf league. Chip loved to sing and bring that joy to the local senior living facilities in Apex through his “Senior singalong Karaoke” visiting different locations weekly, singing the classics they all enjoyed. In retirement, Chip & Baiba always enjoyed their trips to visit friends up and down the east coast, and cherished their annual return visits to Oswego.

Chip is survived by his beautiful wife of 55 years, Baiba Pierce, daughter Marnie (Brent) Jones, son Andrew (Jennifer) Pierce, and grandchildren Lexa & Brady Jones, and Ari Pierce, all of whom reside in Apex, NC. He also leaves behind nieces Kristen Bell, Ashley Pierce, and nephew Joshua Pierce, as well as many Hoefer cousins throughout Connecticut.