Douglas R. Pierce

Douglas Russell Pierce passed peacefully on Tuesday, March 4th surrounded by his loving wife and daughters after a short battle with lung cancer. He is survived by his wife, Judith Vaughn Pierce of Wells, ME, daughters, Bonnie Jean Pierce of Washington, DC and Mindy Joy Pierce of Methuen, MA, and beautiful granddaughters, Olivia and Anabelle Pham of Washington, DC, brother, Roger Pierce of Rowley, MA, sisters Catherine Teeter of Newbury, MA and Alice Cappotto of Beverly, MA and their loving families, and many cousins in Australia.

Doug, affectionately known as “Dougie” and “Pop”, was born on September 3, 1943, in Queensland, Australia during World War II. He was the first child of the late Russell Franklin Pierce, who served in the US Army stationed in Queensland and the late Phyllis Mary (Proudfoot) Pierce, who served in the Australian Women’s Auxiliary. After the war, they moved their growing family to Beverly, MA where Doug lived until his marriage to Judith Vaughn Pierce of Medford, MA in 1968, when they moved to North Medford and raised their two daughters, Bonnie and Mindy.

Although his childhood was full of challenges and his adulthood speckled with medical issues, he always remained positive and saw hope even when times were tough. An incredibly hard worker, Doug worked three jobs to provide a private school education and college for his daughters. He was genuine, authentic, humble, and above all a servant, always there to lend a helping hand, drive someone to anywhere, move someone using his van, share baseball cards, cook lobsters, burgers, sausages or roasts for a crowd or for a church or school event.  He was always cheering on the Patriots, Red Sox or one of Mindy’s field hockey or softball teams or Bonnie’s musical recitals. He never missed one of her games in high school or college or one of Bonnie’s recitals. Doug loved being with his family and friends and his strong Boston accent could be heard sparking up a conversation with anyone, particularly about his beloved birthplace down under, Australia.

Disappointed that young girls in Medford did not have the opportunity, as the boys did to play softball, a sport that he loved and played well into his 50’s, he founded the Medford Youth Girls Softball League in 1994 and was a dedicated, enthusiastic coach that touched the hearts of many with his moto “bring a friend”. Later he was a volunteer assistant coach for Medford High Girls softball teams.

He met his best friend, David Kampersal of Beverly, MA playing softball, a friendship that led Doug to a decades-long career as a driver for Jules A. Gourdeau Architectural Woodworking in Beverly and their friendship was celebrated until the last day of his life.

Maine played a large role in his life. His fondest childhood memories were in Maine where he spent summers with his grandparents on Lincolnville Beach and Freeport. As an adult he created unforgettable memories at Nana and Pa Vaughn’s cottage on Little Ossipee Lake where he taught his daughters how to swim and water ski. Later he loved spending time at Bonnie’s little house in York Beach celebrating his birthday, eating lobsters on the deck, and playing with his granddaughters.

After spending 55 years in Medford, MA, Judy and Doug retired to Wells, ME in 2023 where he ultimately fulfilled his wish of passing in his own home and being ushered into heaven by his savior, Jesus Christ, surrounded by the ones he loved.

Unforgettable, Douglas, Doug, Dougie or Pop will be lovingly remembered by all who met him and were touched by his generosity and love.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Doug’s name may be sent to:

Medford Youth Girl Softball: 32 Bow Street Medford, MA 02155  
Venmo: Listed under Charities:  MYGSoftball

Or to Lighthouse Church, 544 Post Rd, Wells, ME 04090

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Douglas R. Pierce, please visit our floral store.