John P. Pierce, beloved father, grandfather, brother

BOLIVAR — John P. Pierce, 83, of 112 Second St., Bolivar, passed away Monday (Nov. 24, 2025) surrounded by family, after lengthy illness.

Born May 5, 1942, in Olean, he was a son of Earl and Mildred Fahy Pierce. On Feb. 2, 1964, in Olean, he married the former Mary M. Kelley, who predeceased him Nov. 16, 2022.

John attended Allegany High School. He worked for Kline Cutlery in Bolivar for 25 years in many different roles, but retired as the custodian in 2008.

He loved to hunt, fish and enjoyed raising his coon hunting dogs. Around the home he enjoyed gardening. John was a member of the Inavale Grange 1248 and the Stateline Coon Hunters Association.

He leaves behind his children, Robert Pierce, Lucretia “Luann” Pierce and Arlene (Kenneth) Austin, all of Bolivar, Jenny Pierce of Richburg, Tina (Rob) Farrell of Bolivar and Tim (Steph) Pierce of Richburg; a special niece and caregiver, Kirstea (Trevor); his grandchildren, Kameron (Jaimee Brown), Aleesha (Dathan), Jacqui (Troy Riehle), Tony (Mary), Adam (Jordan Golish), CJ (Kc Cone), Mikhaela, Michael, MacKenzie, Hannah (Jeffrey), Katie and Emma; 24 great-grandchildren; a brother, Richard Pierce of Bradford; two sisters-in-law, Brenda Pierce of Limestone and Reba Pierce of Allegany; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by his siblings, Betty (Larry) Benson, Henry “Skip” (Marge), Lyle, Tom (Irene), Howard “Donald” and his twin brother, Jerry (Mary) Pierce.

Friends will be received from noon until 1 p.m. Thursday (Dec. 4, 2025) at the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., 554 S. Main St., Bolivar, with a memorial service to follow at 1 p.m. The Rev. Timothy Taylor, pastor of Cross Town Alliance Church in Shinglehouse, will officiate.

Online Condolences may be sent at www.rinkerfuneralhome.com.