Halbert Edmond Pierce III

Halbert Edmond Pierce III

Halbert Edmond Pierce III, age 90 of Grand Island, New York passed away peacefully in his sleep. Halbert was born in Lynn, Massachusetts and the son of Halbert E. Pierce, Jr. and Alice W. (Cross). He was a native New Englander who grew up in Millbury and Needham, Massachusetts. During his youth, Halbert happily spent summers with his family at their vacation home on Ramshorn Pond in West Millbury where he enjoyed fun-filled adventures going camping, canoeing, fishing, and swimming on the lake. During college, he was a summer nature counselor at Camp Union in Greenfield, New Hampshire. Halbert was a graduate of Needham High School in Needham, Massachusetts. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Worcester, Massachusetts. He was a member of the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity at WPI. Upon his college graduation, he built a prolific and prominent professional career working many years for Hooker Chemical Corporation, Occidental Petroleum Corporation (Oxy), IsleChem, Aceto, and Actylis. He earned his Qualified Environmental Professional certification and operated his own environmental engineering consulting business serving various companies. His specialties included SAFER, SARA, New York State Air Regulations, and Chemical Bulk Storage. He was remarkably renowned for his brilliant intellect, keen knowledge, and technical expertise in his chosen field. Hal was active with United Way, UNICEF, and other nonprofit organizations over the years in various capacities. He was a board member of the Air and Waste Management Association Niagara Frontier Section (AWMA NFS) holding leadership positions as Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Director of Reservations, and Badges. He received the William A. Faust Award in 2006 for his distinguished service and outstanding contributions. He assisted with the judging process and awards presentation at the Buffalo Future Cities Competition for several years. Hal was an active Scouter. Growing up as a Scouter in Massachusetts as a young boy, he continued his mission when he moved to New York for employment. He was the Explorer Advisor to Post 7 in Niagara Falls in the 1960s, Scoutmaster to Troop 254 on Grand Island from 1976-1979, Explorer Advisor to Post 254 on Grand Island in 1979-1996, and a district member of the Greater Niagara Frontier Council of the Boy Scouts from 1996-2018. He is the recipient of the Eagle Scout Award, the Silver Beaver Award, the 70 Year Veteran Award, and the Spark Plug Award. Over the decades, he has remained close friends with his Boy Scouts throughout their adulthood. On a funny note, due to his camping trips frequently encountering rain, the Scouts dubbed him with the nickname of RAINCLOUD which Hal wore proudly with glee. He was a member of St. Pauls Methodist Church in Niagara Falls. He was a long-term member of Trinity Church on Grand Island where he volunteered his invaluable technical expertise on the Finance Committee. He enjoyed attending musical and theatrical playhouse productions at The Niagara Regional Theatre Guild, Western Door Playhouse, and Towne Players of Ken-Ton. Hal was a fervent Buffalo Bills fan. He enjoyed watching intriguing mysteries, howling at hilarious comedies, concentrating on challenging crosswords, and piecing together complex jigsaw puzzles. Hal relished the great outdoors and loved camping, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting. He nurtured nature with its breathtaking beauty by cultivating a glorious garden with flourishing flowers and thriving plants. He was content watching woodland wildlife and fluttering feeder birds in his relaxing backyard retreat. He delightedly took scenic drives around Beaver Island State Park on Grand Island to amazingly gaze at Canada Geese, white swans in the Niagara River, and happily spot hopping bunnies, nesting ospreys and eagles. He traveled extensively to visit family members across the country. He developed close connections with friends and neighbors, and remained in continuous contact through correspondence, calls, and social gatherings. Besides his parents, he is predeceased by his beloved wife of 61 years, Phyllis Ann (nee Handley), and daughter, Susan E. Pierce. He is survived by his son, David H. Pierce (Robin) of San Antonio, TX; daughter, Amy S. Pacini (Anthony) of Land O Lakes, FL; brother Alan C. Pierce (Carol) of Fryeburg, ME; brother-in-law Robert W. Handley (Debi) of North Tonawanda, NY; sister-in-law Mary Jane Handley of Dublin, OH; and many cousins, nieces, a nephew, close friends, co-workers, and Scouters. Hal was loved by many who knew him and he was always there for them. He was a devoted husband, loving father, faithful friend, and hospitable neighbor who will be forever cherished and fondly remembered for his congenial warmth, benevolent heart, adventurous spirit, exuberant energy, humorous wit, lively laughter, and beaming smile. A memorial service will be held at Trinity Church on Grand Island at a future date.