Dr. Edward T. Pierce, a Manhasset orthodontist for more than 45 years, died on March 5. He was 89.
Pierce, a Manhasset native who most recently lived in Southampton, served in the Navy during World War II and in his dental career once served as the president of the New York State Society of Orthodontics, according to a family obituary.
Pierce was born on July 2, 1925 to Anna Marion and William Joseph Pierce. He graduated from Xavier Military Academy in New York City before serving on the USS Nelson in the Pacific during World War II.
Upon leaving the military, Pierce attended Fordham University and Tufts Dental School.
Pierce, an avid boater, served as past commodore of the Port Washington Yacht Club, in addition to being involved with several other local organizations: the Knights of Columbus, the American Legion, the Kiwanis International and the Manhasset Bay Power Squadron. He is also a former director of the Dime Savings Bank.
Pierce and wife Janice married on August 25, 1951. The couple had seven children, sons Roger, Stevan and Jeffrey and daughters Daphne, Holly, Cynthia and Deidra. Another son, Edward Jr., died at one month old.
His family said Pierce was known for his positive and appreciative worldview and sense of humor.
Pierce is survived by his wife, seven children and 20 grandchildren, as well as four siblings: brothers Bill and John and sisters Bernadette and Ann Marie.
Visitation services were held at Fairchild Funeral Chapel on March 7.
A funeral service was held on March 9 at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Manhasset. Pierce was buried at Sacred Heart Basilica Cemetery in Southampton.
