Jonathan Richard Pearce

NEW GLOUCESTER - Jonathan Richard Pearce, 58, died at his home on Thursday, July 5, 2012 following a brief illness. He was born in Portland on March 4, 1954, the son of D. Duane and Mary Jean Little Pearce. Jon attended local schools and then attended and graduated from St. Coletta's School (now known as the Cardinal Cushing School) in Hanover, MA in 1972. He was the valedictorian of his class. While at St Coletta's, Jon worked in Boston commuting daily from Hanover by bus. Jon was the Massachusetts Special Olympics champion in several events. He then traveled to Los Angeles where he won the national championship in three sprint events. Upon graduation, Jon returned to Maine. He worked as a cook at the Pineland Center in New Gloucester for over 15 years until its closure, and then at Long Creek Youth Development for the last several years, until June 2012. Jonathan enjoyed hunting, fishing and bird watching. He knew all species of local birds and their calls and songs. He grew up on a golf course and loved the sport. Jon also enjoyed spending time by the water with his wife, Robyn. He especially loved to go to Boothbay Harbor with her. Lighthouses were a passion of his. He was an ardent fan of the Detroit Tigers ever since playing for the Tigers in farm league. He later became a hard core fan of the Los Angeles (later St Louis) Rams, a team he loved to the end. He attended a few of their games in Los Angeles. Beyond all else, Jon was the kindest, most thoughtful, sweetest man you could ever meet. Family was special. He never failed to send his family members signed and dated birthday cards. Jon was rigorously blunt and honest; he called em like he saw em. Friendship is the only thing he ever sought from anyone. He is survived by his loving wife of 16 years, Robyn of New Gloucester; his parents of Falmouth; a sister, Elizabeth P. Hunt of Portland; three brothers, David D. Pearce and wife Leyla of Washington, D.C., Michael J. Pearce and wife Kathleen of Falmouth, and Christopher S. Pearce of Falmouth and Kennebunk; and several nieces and nephews. Visiting hours will be held from 4-8 pm on Sunday, July 8, at Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland. Prayers will be recited at 9:15 am Monday, July 9, at the funeral home, followed by a 10 am Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Martyrs Church, 266 Foreside Rd., Falmouth. Interment will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery, Falmouth. Memorial donations may be made to Autism Society of Maine, 72 B Main St., Winthrop, ME 04364.Online condolences may be expressed below.