Alvin Russell Pierce

November 14, 1925 - January 24, 2009

Alvin Russell Pierce Sr., 83 of Fairfield Twp. passed away Saturday January 24, 2009 at his residence, surrounded by his loving family and friends. He had been in failing health for the past several years. Alvin's sunrise took place in Salem, NJ on November 14, 1925. He was the son of the late Jediah and Mabel nee Dunn Pierce. Alvin was known simply as "Russell" to everyone. He had resided on Fairton –Gouldtown Road in Fairfield Twp. for most of his adult life with his loving wife Artalissa Rebecca nee Johnson Pierce, who was the daughter of the late Elwood and Artalissa nee Wright Johnson. Artalissa was known to everyon as "Becky" On November 13, 1943 Russell and Becky were united in marriage, and they were blessed through there union with seven children, three sons and four daughters. Russell served in the United States Army and was a World War II Veteran. He was employed for many years as a Union Carpenter with Local 121 in Vineland, NJ before he became ill. He loved to share his knowledge and teach others the skills and family traditions that he valued. He loved to hunt and fish, and grow his own fresh vegetables in his home garden. He also enjoyed sharing his produce and anything that he could with family and friends. He enjoyed playing with his grandchildren and the annual BBQ that his son "Russell" Jr. held on Labor Day to bring the family together. He was a member of the Nanticoke Lenni Lenape Indians of Bridgeton, and a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He touched the hearts of everyone that he came in contact with. Surviving him are his children Alvin Russell Pierce Jr. of Gouldtown, Carl E. Pierce of Millville, Bruce W. Pierce of Fairton, Artalissa "Dolly" Pierce of Bridgeton, Marie A. "Sissy" Henry of Gouldtown, Ruth Conaway of Salem, and Alice "Ray" Harmon of Alloway, NJ, three son in laws William Johnson, Winfield Conaway, and Roger Harmon, three daughter in laws Diane Bruno, Natalie Pierce, and Carnellia Pierce. Russell also leaves to cherish his memory and carry on his legacy 20 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, and 8 great great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. Russell was the last remaining child from the union of Jediah and Mable Pierce, in addition to his wife and parents he was predeceased by a grandson Walter Bard III"Junie" two great granddaughters Lilly and Madison, three siblings who all died in infancy Earl, Harold, and Helen Pierce. He was also predeceased by his brothers Henry Dunn, James Pierce, Morris Pierce, Charles Pierce, Fredrick Francis "Bangie" Pierce, Herbert Pierce, and Ralph Jediah Pierce.