TROY – Erwin E. Piper, 80, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2006, at Inland Hospital, Waterville with family by his side. He was born Sept. 15, 1925, in Palmyra, son of Harold and Mabel (McFarland) Piper. Erwin served his country during World War II, 1943-46. His naval duty on the U.S.S. L.S.T. 616 included both the European and Pacific Theatres. He married Barbara Rowell Aug. 14, 1948. They settled in Troy and established a dairy farm, milking cows for 37 years while raising a family of five. Erwin served the Town of Troy as selectman for 25 years, and was a volunteer fireman. For the past 22 years, Erwin and Barbara enjoyed traveling across the country, reconnecting with family, friends and shipmates during annual World War II reunions. He also loved reading, hunting, snowmobiling and working in the woods. In addition to his wife of 57 years, Erwin is survived by his children, Ronald Piper of Richmond, Va., Brian Piper, Brenda (Peter) Dusoe, Steven Piper, all of Troy and Debora Piper of Stoughton, Wis.; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, Shannon and Brandee Piper of Mineral Wells, Texas, Jennifer Piper of Troy (and their mother, Sherry) Robert (Jessica, Hunter and Kieley) Dusoe of Troy. He is also survived by his brother, Arthur (Shirley) of Albion; and his sister in-law, Mary Piper of Hadley, Mass.; along with many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Allan of Hadley, Mass. Memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at the Unity Union Church, 13 Depot St., Unity. Friends may call 1 p.m. until the time of the service Saturday, Jan. 21. Memorial gifts may be made in Erwin’s name to Troy Veterans Memorial Fund, 129 Rogers Rd., Troy, ME 04987, or to a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Donald H. Shorey Funeral Chapel, 35 Hartland Ave., Pittsfield.
ERWIN E. PIPER
