Ronald Bruce Pierce

ROCKFORD - Ronald Bruce Pierce, age 71, passed away at home in Rockford with his wife and some family members in the early hours of Thursday December 30, 2021 after a courageous battle with emphysema and COPD the past several years. Born in Chicago, IL on April 28, 1950 to Robert & Lillian Pierce (Sutton).

Ron grew up in Dolton, Illinois, the second oldest of three children. He attended Mendel Catholic Preparatory High School where played in the marching band and graduated in 1968. In his twenties, he studied journalism then business at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois. He worked as a foreman at Aurora Packing Co. from 1971-1989 in the Fox Valley. Afterward, he worked as a letter carrier for the Glen Ellyn Post Office where he retired in 2010. After his first marriage to Susan Pierce (Tuggle) in 1971, he became father to four children (Alicia, Gala, Jon, and Sara). He was not afraid to work a long day on the job and then come home to cook and clean.

As a young man, he was ignited by the writers and artists of his generation. He loved the music of the era including Bob Dylan, The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Kinks, Buddy Holly, the Fugs, Frank Zappa, Captain Beefheart, the Velvet Underground and so many more. His talent on piano blossomed from a young age, and his love of music continued into his adulthood. He wrote his own music and wrote dozens of songs over the decades. He played mostly for himself and his family. He also was an avid music collector, which became a hobby and even a side business. He loved the Beat writers, including Allen Ginsberg and William S. Burroughs. He also loved and collected movies, such as the Star Wars , Godfather and Alien trilogies, Hitchcock films, and some cult classics such as the Swamp Thing , Texas Chainsaw Massacre , and Dawn of the Dead . Moreover, he loved art by artists such as Salvador Dali.

It was one of his lifelong dreams to own a home. Although he owned one briefly in South Haven, Indiana when he first married, he couldn't find work in the area and the family moved back to Illinois. It wasn't until 1998 when he owned a home again. Long after his marriage ended and children were grown, he bought a house in the Candlewick Lake Community in Poplar Grove, IL. It wasn't long until he had a full house again. He met Jeanette Krzywicki at the post office in 2000. They married in 2001 which led to her and her three younger children, Karen, Katie, Mark, moving in together. Jeanette's two oldest sons (Rob and Matt) also had lived with him at different times. Jeanette and Ron recently celebrated their 20th anniversary. Nothing was more important to him than his wife, their families and home. Loving husband, father, step-father, brother, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather; he will remain forever in our hearts.

Ronald is survived his beloved wife, Jeanette Pierce; sister, Pamela (Richard) DeRobertis; children, Alicia Pierce, Gala Pierce (Ken Richardson), Jon (Leslee) Pierce and Sara (Cory) Pierce Giese; step-children, Robert March, Karen (Troy) Kunath, Katie (Michael) Galvan and Mark Krzywicki; 16 grandchildren; and 3 great grandchildren. He is predeceased by his parents; Robert & Lillian Pierce; brother, Bob Pierce; and stepson, Matthew Krzywicki.

Funeral Services held Saturday January 8, 2022 at 7:00 pm at the Christenson Funeral Home, 925 3rd Ave., Rockford, with Visitation from 5:00 pm until the time of services at 7:00 pm. Cremation rites accorded. Memorials to the family.

www.rockfordfunerals.com