Robert C. Pierce
Feb. 16, 1878-Dec. 17, 1955
Deaths and Obituaries
Robert C. Pierce, Niles Civic Leader Dies at Age 77
ROBERT C. PIERCE, 77, at 124 North 13th Street, a Niles civic leader for a number of years, died at 6:15 p.m., Saturday at Pawating Hospital. Death followed an illness of one day.
Mr. Pierce was a consulting engineer for National-Standard Company of Niles, a position he held since coming to Miles in 1926. He developed the “Woven Pierce Tape” which was used extensively for many years to reinforce automobile tires. Before coming to Niles he was associated with the B.F. Goodrich Co., of Akron, O., and American Chain and Cable Co., of Bridgeport, Conn.
Mr. Pierce was very active in civic affairs. He was particularly interested in the development of Pawating Hospital, having been a member of the board of trustees for about 12 years and having served as president of the association for several years. Mr. Pierce was especially active at the time of the first hospital addition was constructed and served as chairman of the building committee for the project. He retired from the board in 1954.
He also was a member of the Niles Board of Public Works from 1934 to 1939, and chairman of the board from 1936 to 1939, a member of the Recreation Board from 1936 to 1940 and a member of the Park Board from 1953 to 1955. He also was a director of the Niles Federal Savings and Loan Association.
Mr. Pierce was born Feb. 16, 1878 at Tallmadge, O. His wife, Grace, died Sept. 27, 1952. Survivors are two daughters, Mrs. Frances Markley and Mrs. Richard C. Williams, both of Niles; a son, Charles S. Pierce of Niles; five grandchildren, and a brother, Roger B. Pierce of Cuyahoga Falls, O.
He was an elder of the First Presbyterian Church and had served on the session of the Board of Trustees. He also was a member of the Rotary Club.
The body is at the Kiger Funeral Home and will be moved to the Presbyterian Church where it will lie in state from noon Tuesday until funeral services, which will be held at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday. Rites will be conducted by Dr. T.M. Greenhoe and burial will be in Silverbrook Cemetery.
(Source: Niles Daily Star, Monday, Dec. 19, 1955, page 2, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library)