Obituary of Dayton Pierce JR

WESTFIELD - Dayton L. Pierce, Jr., age 73, of Academy Street, Westfield died Saturday evening, January 26, 2008 at St. Vincent Health Center in Erie, Pennsylvania following a brief illness. Dayton was born on February 3, 1934 in Greenfield Township, Pennsylvania, a son of the late Dayton Leroy and Charlotte Mae Pierce. A Graduate of North East High School in North East, PA, Dayton entered the US Air Force where he proudly served his Country for several years. He moved to Westfield in 1952 and had been employed by his father?s business, the former Pierce Motor Sales, an Oldsmobile Dealership on Main St. in Westfield. He had also been employed by the former Midland Chautauqua National Bank in Westfield for more than six years. Dayton was appointed a Deputy Sheriff for Chautauqua County by then Sheriff, Merle A. Campaign in April 1966. He retired from the Sheriff's Office in June of 1994 after 28 years of service. Following his retirement from the Sheriff?s Office, he continued with his interest in automobile sales and worked for Raynor?s Chrysler Plymouth in Westfield until its closing. His hobbies included, golf, camping in his motor home and his family. A ?people person"; Dayton enjoyed working with the public, selling cars and meeting new people. Dayton was a former member of the Hook & Ladder Co. of The Fire Department of Westfield, a member and officer of the Westfield Firemen?s Exempt Assoc., a Life Member of The Loyal Order Of Moose Lodge # 118, of Westfield, the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club, a Life Member of the Chautauqua County Deputy Sheriff?s Assoc., a member of the Spotted Vagabonds Camping Club, Chapter 66 and the Coachman Caravan Camping Club. He is survived by his wife of 51 years; Doris (Oakes) Pierce, whom he married on January 9, 1956 in Westfield, his daughter, Debbra K. Cramer and her husband Rick of Fredonia, NY and his son, Steven D. Pierce of Brocton, NY. Dayton is further survived by his sister, Kay Jean and her husband, Donald Fessenden of Springboro, OH and his brother: Edward Pierce and his wife Pat, of North East, PA. Eight grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and his son in law Donald Gorniak of North East, PA, as well as several nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Suann Gorniak, and his sister, Sandra Fox. Friends may call at the MASON Funeral Home, 37 Clinton Street, Westfield, NY. on Wednesday from 4-7 PM and are invited to attend the funeral services there on Thursday at 2:00 PM with Rev. Charles E. Baker of the Lake Shore Free Methodist Church of North East officiating. Memorials are suggested to the Westfield Fireman?s. Exempt Assoc., 75 Bourne St., Westfield, NY 14787. Logon on to www.masonfuneral.com to sign a guest page or to send an e-condolence.