Donald C. Piersons

Donald C. Piersons, 100, of Stockton passed away Thursday, May 18, 2017 at Heritage Village Rehab and Skilled Nursing. Born October 15, 1916, in Stockton, the son of the late Manley and Ruby Blodgett Piersons.

As a youth, he attended Stockton schools, was active in Boy Scouts, played baseball and basketball, worked for several farmers and plowed gardens for town residents and for several years managed a pea vinery and in the 1930s worked in the veneer mill for the former Rickenbrode and Rounds Basket Factory, being the only employee to survive a slip into the boiling tank for logs.

In the 1940s, he was employed in construction of the Allegheny Ludlum steel plant on Brigham Road in Dunkirk, installing the ventilation system. In 1942, he was employed by Allegheny Ludlum as an inspector and lift truck operator, retiring in 1972.

In 1944, Don purchased his first cattle truck and soon added two more trucks and drivers. He transported from local farms to local auctions and Buffalo Stock Yards daily. Don terminated the business in the mid 1960s. He was the third licensed buyer and seller of cattle in New York State. He also participated in the post World War II exchange from Dunkirk to Dunkerque, France, transporting animals to New York City for transport.

On June 1, 1966, Don and Leonard Deering, with assistance from their wives, started Stockton Sales. He became the sole owner in 1977. This became known as one of the largest antique and used merchandise stores in Western New York. The business was sold in 1980.

He was a 75-year member of the Grange, joining Stockton 316 in 1927, and then transferring membership to Fredonia 1 along with the National and New York State granges and Chautauqua County Pomono. An honorary member of the Stockton Volunteer Fire Department and life member (75 years) and stockholder of Chautauqua County Firemen's Fraternity. He was an over 50-year member of Jamestown Moose 1681, Dunkirk Eagles Club, several cribbage clubs, former Stockton Odd Fellows, former member of the Dunkirk Elks and Lakewood Rod and Gun Club and previously served on the Cassadaga Job Corp Council.

Don enjoyed attending auctions, gardening, helping his neighbors and friends, many summers pent at Bear Lake with picnics and boating with family and friends. He and his wife traveled by land, air and sea all over the world, seeing all but two continents.

Don and Helen have always been very proud of the town they spent their life in and have given sizable donations to the Stockton Volunteer Fire Department, one of which made it possible for the building of a new post office, which a monument in recognition is placed in front of the building.

In 1980, they established a sizable scholarship fund at Cassadaga Valley Central School for students continuing their education in a agricultural based field.

Beloved husband of 76 years to Helen Wing Piersons, whom he married December 3, 1941; brother-in-law of Fred (Jane) Wing of Stockton, Winnie Wing of Ripley and the late Harold Wing. Also survived by cousins, nieces, nephews and countless friends.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, May 22 in Stockton Community Church, 10 W. Railroad Ave., Stockton. Visitation 4-7 p.m. Sunday, May 21 in the Jordan Funeral Home, Sinclairville, and one hour prior to the service Monday at church. Burial in Greenwood Cemetery, Stockton.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Stockton Volunteer Fire Department, Stockton, NY 14784.

Obituary from the Post-Journal

comments powered by Disqus
Local Weather
Dunkirk, NY
37°
Keyword Search

Classic Hits 101.5FM - 1410AM & KIX Country 96.5FM - 100.3FM
4561 Willow Road | Dunkirk, New York 14048
Telephone: (716) 366-1410
Fax: (716) 366-1416
EEO Report  |  Public Inspection Files
WDOE, Dunkirk, NY & WBKX, Fredonia, NY
Copyright © 2024 Chautauqua Today
Classic Hits 1410 WDOE, Dunkirk, NY.
Site Designed by RiverBender.com
-->