Gregory Curtis Pierce, 62, of Oxford, and formerly of Newtown, died peacefully March 11 with family by his side, after a short and courageous battle with cancer. He was born on November 25, 1952, in Albany, N.Y.

He loved his wife, Mary Lou, loved his family, and loved his life. He earned his AS from Westchester Community College and graduated Alpha Beta Gamma. He went on to earn his BS from Ramapo College of New Jersey and MBA from Fordham University, graduating Beta Gamma Sigma. He worked in finance for IBM from 1982 to 1994, before joining Daymon Worldwide of Stamford, until his retirement in 2012.

His interests included flying (he soloed in a Cessna 150), motorcycles (his Harley-Davidson Sportster was his favorite), racing (built and raced his own car at the Orange County Fair Speedway and, years later, graduated from the Skip Barber Racing School in an open-wheel formula car — a highlight of his life).

He could listen to James Taylor for hours or wipe tears from his eyes listening to the Boston Symphony at Tanglewood. John Irving made him think, Bill Bryson made him laugh, and a cold beer on a hot day topped it all off.

He was a devoted family man and cherished every day with them. He leaves behind his loving wife of 38 years, who was by his side each day; his sons Michael Pierce, and his wife Shannon, of Monroe and Christopher Pierce, and his wife Laura, of Blanchard, Idaho. He was delighted by his four grandchildren. His mother and two sisters also survive Mr Pierce. He was loved by many nieces and nephews, and extended family and friends.

A memorial service in celebration of his life will take place Sunday, March 15, at 5:30 pm, in the Chapel of the Miller-Ward Funeral Home, 260 Bank Street (opposite Klarides Village, Route 67), Seymour, with the Reverend Joseph Shepley of St Paul’s Episcopal Church of Brookfield officiating. Friends and relatives may call at the funeral home Sunday, from 4 to 7 pm. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.

Expressions of sympathy in Mr Pierce’s memory may be made to The American Cancer Society, to support work to find a cure.

To light a virtual candle and leave online condolences visit www.millerwardfuneralhome.com.