Robert W. Pierce

Winthrop - Robert W. Pierce, passed away at Rochester General Hospital on September 12, 2026, at the age of 71. Born in Ogdensburg, NY on February 27, 1955, Robert, or "Bob" as he was affectionately known, is the "number one" son of Royal Bernard Pierce and Frances M. Fournier Pierce. He grew up working with his father on the family farm and when his father was unable to do the farm work, Bob took over. He went to work at ALCOA in 1983 and retired from the shipping department in 2012. He married Deborah A. (Burke) Shatraw on July 5, 2003, whose love and companionship were at the center of his life.

Robert was a man of great interests, making and flying model airplanes, camping, boating, fishing, modifying golf carts, gardening, cooking and BBQ's, wood working, working on small engines, riding his Harley Davidson Tri Glide and the joy and love of his family. He was an avid Kansas City Chiefs fan. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

His family will remember the sound of his laughter, his teasing, his stories, his stubborn streak, his love of the outdoors, and the way he could turn an ordinary day into a memory. They will remember fishing trips, boat rides, motorcycle rides, golf cart rides, camping trips, family gatherings, and all the little moments that seemed ordinary at the time but will now mean everything.

And Debbie will remember the man who was her husband, her partner, her best friend, and her person.

Bob is survived by his wife, Deborah, his mother, Frances, his children and stepchildren, Kreg Pierce of Massena, Elaine Pierce & Chad McPherson of Plattsburgh, Heather and Matt Kish of Winthrop, Jackson and Angela Shatraw of Potsdam, and Travis Shatraw and Kiara White of Winthrop, his siblings, Dean and Nancy Pierce of Tulsa, OK, Charles and Kathy Pierce and Tammi and Thomas Sansoucy, both of Waddington, 17 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Royal, a son, Michael Pierce, a stepdaughter, Atasha Ashley, a sister, Patricia Pierce, a brother, Timothy Pierce and his mother-in-law, Christine Lillis.

Rest easy, Bob. Your road home is complete. Until we meet again, keep the Harley running and save us a spot on the boat.

Visitation will be held at Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop, on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 3 PM.

Graveside services in celebration of Robert's life will take place on Saturday, September 19, 2026 at New Brookside Cemetery in Waddington at 11:00 AM, where we will lay him to rest. Following the service, we will gather for a reception at 12:00 PM at the American Legion in Waddington to share stories, laughter, and fond memories of Bob.

Robert W. Pierce touched many hearts throughout his life, and although there is sorrow in our hearts, we choose to remember him with gratitude for every moment we had. Please consider donations in his memory to Tri Town Rescue Squad, PO Box 238, Brasher Falls, NY 13613 or The American Cencer Society, (www.cancer.org). Let us celebrate the incredible man he was and honor his memory together.