PALERMO – Charles Albert Peirce Jr., 91, of Cain Hill Road, succumbed peacefully Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009, at his home. He was born June 5, 1918, in Bangor, the son of Charles A. Peirce Sr. and Florence (Haynes) Peirce. He was a graduate of Bangor High School and a deans list student at the University of Maine, Class of 1940, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree. While at the University of Maine, Mr. Peirce was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity, Student Senate, Inter-fraternity Council and member of the University Radio Committee, served as editor-in-chief of “The Maine Campus,” the school newspaper, was a student leader representative involved in the early efforts to build Fogler Library and was a member of many other University of Maine student clubs and associations. He received a scholarship to New York University Law School, New York, where he received his juris doctor degree. Mr. Peirce was admitted to the Maine Bar Association in March 1943. He practiced law in Augusta for many years and later moved his practice to Palermo, which proved to be more centrally located to better represent his clients in the court systems of Belfast, Rockland and Augusta. Charlie, as he was known to his friends, was an avid hunter and fisherman, and was very much interested in politics and environmental issues. In his earlier years he was quite active in Republican politics serving in the 92nd and 93rd Maine Legislature, 1946 and 1948. Later he served as a judge in the municipal court systems in Augusta and Hallowell. He taught environmental law at Unity College in the 1970s. He was a member of the Nature Conservancy, Natural Resources of Maine and served multiple times as president of Sheepscot Fish and Game Association. He was also a member of Unitarian Church, Bangor, Cushnoc Royal Arch Masons and Maine Trinity Commandery No. 1 Knights Templar. He was predeceased by his wife of 43 years, Mary G. (Gaylord) Peirce; and his sister, Charlotte S. Peirce. He is survived by his son, Charles A. Peirce III of Bangor; his daughter, Catherine A. Hopper and her husband, Edward C.; son, Christopher C., all of Veazie; his sister, Jean M. Peirce of Newport, R.I.; two special brothers-in-law, James F. Gaylord Jr. and his wife, Nancy W., of Auburn and Francis S. Gaylord and his wife, Florence C., of Alabama; three special nieces-in-law, Dr. Susan Gaylord of Auburn, Nancy Merk of Waterville and Barrie Forbes of Macungie, Pa.; several nieces and nephews; his very special caregiver and confidant, Ruby Reily of Palermo and her assistants, Gloria Reardon and V. Johnson; and his longtime legal assistant, special confidant and also caregiver, Cheryl Belden of China. A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, at Greeley Corner Cemetery, off Route 3, Palermo. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Sheepscot Fish and Game Association, Palermo; the Nature Conservancy or to a charity of choice. Arrangements are under the care of Plummer Funeral Home, 983 Ridge Road, Windsor. Condolences to the family may be expressed via the funeral home Web site www.plummerfh.com.
CHARLES ALBERT PEIRCE JR.
