Submitted by his Daughter
Thomas M. Pierce
Naval Training Center Fire Department – Illinois
Classification: Career
Rank: Captain
Date of Death: February 10‚ 1982
Age: 54
Thomas (Tommy) M. Pierce
Thomas Morton Pierce was the second of six children born July 20‚ 1927 in Chicago‚ Illinois. In 1945 he enlisted in the US army. During his tour of duty he received the Army of Occupation Medal and the WWII Victory Medal. He was also an honored member of the Army’s Tigers football team with the 514th Quartermaster’s group while stationed in Germany. Following an honorable discharge in 1948 he returned to North Chicago where he was employed by American Steel and Wire until 1969. Tommy worked for a short time as a bus driver until he was hired in 1970 as a Fireman for the US Naval Training Center at Great Lakes. At the time of his death he had achieved the rank of Captain.
He died suddenly of an apparent heart attack while fighting a house fire in Forrestal Village February 2‚ 1982. He is survived by 3 siblings‚ 4 children‚ several grandchildren and great grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends.
I remember like it was yesterday. I was playing a basketball game at Lake Forest College my freshman year. Mom and Macy came to the game and broke the news to me afterwards. All of my uncles were great but I Uncle Tommy held a special place in my heart probably because he looked most like Daddy. I remember him always coming by the house to get his meatloaf sandwiches and caramel cake Mom would make for him. Miss you dearly!
– Richelle K PierceOur Uncle Tommy was much beloved and is missed by the entire family. Every time I see a caramel cake or make gravy for the turkey at Thanksgiving I think of him as he loved the caramel cake my mom made for him for his birthday and always smothered his turkey with gravy at Thanksgiving. Love you Uncle Tommy. <3 <3 <3
– Tricia Pierce Davis