Dr. Frederic M. Pierce of Vestal, a retired Certified Financial Planner, teacher, coach and businessman who inspired thousands during his varied careers, passed away early Monday morning, April 27. 2009. Fred died at home after a long illness, surrounded by his loving wife of 57 years, Georgiana; his daughter, Teresa L. Flynn of Vestal; and his son Frederic J. Pierce of Syracuse. In addition to Georgiana and his two children, Fred is survived by five grandchildren, Bobby, Elizabeth and Joe Pierce of Syracuse, (children of Fred J. and wife, Donna Bornhurst Pierce) and Eric and Leah Flynn of Vestal (children of Teresa and Francis “Bud” Flynn); a great-grandson, Ethan Pierce (son of Bobby and wife, Lisa); a nephew, Spencer Pierce of Irvington. He also leaves countless friends, students, clients and acquaintances whose lives were touched by his enduring sense of humor, his patient and deeply intelligent counsel, his moral strength, his generous compassion and his unshakably positive outlook on life.

Fred, 78, was born in Irvington, NY where he excelled at sports and art and starred in high school drama productions. He graduated from Cortland State Teachers College in 1951 with a Bachelor’s degree in physical education, and went on to Columbia University where he earned a Master’s degree in1952. Fred was a Korean War-era veteran and served in the U.S. Army from 1952 to 1954. He taught physical education in the Owego-Apalachin School District from 1955 to 1969, coaching varsity boy’s basketball, football and golf teams and winning many league championships. While there, he began the district girl’s gymnastics program, eventually taking one of the athletes he coached to the national championships. While teaching, Fred continued his education at Columbia. He earned a Doctorate degree in education in 1965. That same year, Fred was named one of four “Outstanding Young Educators of the Year” in a nationwide competition sponsored by World Book Encyclopedia and the Jaycees. He had previously been named the most outstanding young educator in New York State. Fred served as director of athletics for the Johnson City School District from 1969 to 1972; when he stepped down to pursue other business interests. Fred founded The American Gymnastics Camp at Oquaga Lake near Deposit in 1968. He operated the camp every summer until 1985, moving it first to Olympic Lake in Little Meadows, PA and finally to Wells College on Cayuga Lake. In 1973, Fred started the TC Stars girl’s athletic club, a full-time gymnastics school that eventually expanded to include several franchises in New York, Pennsylvania and Florida. He operated the business until 1986.
Fred began working part-time as a financial planner with Investment Diversified Services in 1983, eventually making it a full-time career. In 1991, he joined Binghamton Savings Bank as a financial advisor and manager. He retired in 1997, but continued to work as a part-time consultant until 2004. The last five years of his career, he worked in partnership with his daughter Teri at BSB.

Fred was an avid golfer, the winner of many tournaments, a member of the Endwell Country Club. When he wasn’t on the golf course, he was either reading one of the three books he devoured each week, watching the Mets on television or planning vacations to Myrtle Beach with his wife. He was a member of John Hus Presbyterian Church in Binghamton.

The family will receive friends, Saturday, May 2, 2009 from 9:00am until 11:00am, at Barber Memorial Home Inc., 428 Main Street, Johnson City. The memorial service will begin at 11:00am. Burial will be in Vestal Hills Memorial Park following the memorial.

Donations in Fred’s name may be made to the Lourdes Foundation for Medial Oncology, the Lourdes Foundation for the Infusion Department both at 169 Riverside Drive, Binghamton NY 13905 or to Lourdes Hospice, 4102 Old Vestal Road, Vestal NY 13850.

The Pierce family will be forever grateful to the compassionate staff of Lourdes’ Oncology, infusion and hospice services – especially Dr. Jonathan Kloss – for extending their time with Fred and making his final days a meaningful and comfortable as possible.

Home: Vestal, NY
Date of Death: April 27, 2009
Service Information: Saturday, May 2, 2009 from 9:00am until 11:00am, at Barber Memorial Home Inc., 428 Main Street, Johnson City
Time: 9:00am