Rev. John J. Pierce, O.F.M ’54

Rev. John J. Pierce, O.F.M, died February 22, 2025. He was a professed Franciscan friar 66 years, and a Catholic priest 61 years.

Fr. John was a President’s Medallion supporter of the College. For his 50th Reunion at the College in 2004 he received a “Dorian Gray Award” for being so youthful and vital in appearance and health.

A native of Melrose, MA, Fr. John was known in early years for his athleticism, exhibiting his collegiate football prowess at St. Bonaventure in western New York state and at Saint Michael’s.

Father John entered the Franciscan Order in 1957, professing first vows in 1958, then final vows as a Franciscan Friar of Holy Name (New York) Province in 1961. Concurrently he pursued theological studies in Washington, DC. 

He was ordained to the Catholic priesthood in 1963, in Washington. He later attained a Master of Divinity degree from Seton Hall University. 

In accord with his motto, “All give some, some give all,” Father John volunteered as a U.S. Navy Chaplain, attaining the rank of Lieutenant attached to the First Marine Division in Vietnam, 1968-1970. He was awarded the Bronze Star medal in 1970. 

Returning stateside, Father John served in Franciscan parishes in (then) East Paterson (Elmwood Park), Garfield, Fair Lawn, Wood-Ridge, and West Milford (NJ). Later assignments in New York state located Father John at Obernburg in Sullivan County, and a chaplaincy at St. Anthony Hospital, Warwick, NY. 

In retirement, because of medical needs, Father John resided at the New Jersey Veterans Administration Hospital at Lyons since 2019. 

Father John is survived by his Franciscan confreres in Our Lady of Guadalupe Province (USA), and by extended family.