Richfield Springs-Duane "Drew" Richard Pierson Sr. age 77 passed away Sunday morning October 4, 2015 in Cooperstown. He had the support and comfort of his loving family at his side. He was born on March 8, 1938 in Cooperstown, son of the late Gordon D. and Laura F. Congdon Pierson. Duane was raised and educated in Richfield Springs. On August 28, 1958 he was united in marriage with the former Joan Malley in Yonkers. In 1956 he entered the US Navy serving during Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in 1976 attaining the rank of Torpedo man First Class. In 1977 he went to work for Electric Boat/General Dynamics in Groton CT as a missile tester. He retired in 1998 after twenty one years of dedicated service. In 1998 he with his wife moved back to Richfield Springs where he has remained since. Mr. Pierson had a strong sense of community. He was currently serving as a Village of Richfield Springs Trustee and a member of Richfield Springs American Legion Post # 616 where he served as treasurer. To those who knew him he was a caring, sincere and likeable man. He was happiest when he was surrounded by his many friends and family especially his cherished grandchildren and great grandchild. He will be greatly missed. Surviving are his devoted wife, Joan, four sons, Duane R. Pierson Jr., of Groton, CT, Michael and Emily Pierson of Lawton, OK, Matthew Pierson of Dallas, TX, Jerred and Jackie Pierson of Wheeling, WV, three daughters, Deanna and David Bailey of Oakdale, CT, Jessica and Brian Hodge of Groton, CT, Janiea and Anthony Wilson of Herkimer, two sisters, Marilyn and Greg Hext of Richfield Springs, Lois Jones of Fredonia, twenty eight grandchildren, one great grandchild, several nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his brother Gordon Pierson. Memorial service for Mr. Pierson will take place on Friday at 12:00 noon in the Trinity Christian Reformed Church, Richfield Springs. Pastor Sam Luce of the Redeemer Church, Utica will officiate. At the completion of the church service the family will proceed to the Richfield Springs American Legion Post # 616, 73 Lake Street where full military honors will be accorded by the US Navy. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Richfield Springs Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 1456, Richfield Springs, NY 13439. Funeral arrangements are with J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, Richfield Springs. Funeral Service Trinity Christian Reformed Church Friday, October 9, 2015 12:00 PM 187 East Main Street Richfield Springs, NY 13439