Albert “Chuck” Pearce
RICHFORD: Albert “Chuck” Pearce passed away peacefully on September 24, 2023, at the UVM Medical Center after a courageous battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. He was born on March 30, 1943, the son of Albert and Arlene (Keach) Pearce in Greenfield, Massachusetts.
Chuck became a resident of Vermont in 1966. He then met and married, his lifetime partner, Sue Pearce on June 21, 1969. Chuck coached the boys’ basketball team and won the state championship in 1988. He also coached boys’ soccer, girls’ softball, the golf team, and refereed basketball. For many years he and Sue coached basketball simultaneously. You would often find one supporting the other during their teams’ non-game nights.
He was a longtime physical education teacher, athletic director, coach, principal, and State Representative. Chuck graduated from Turners Falls High School, Turners Falls, MA; Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro, TN (BS in physical education, 1965; Master of Education, 1970; Principal Certification from Johnson State College). Former chairman of the Community High School of Vermont State Board. Member of: Lions Club; Richford Country Club, United States Trotting Association; Basketball Officials Association; Vermont Athletic Directors Association. Inductee into the Vermont Principals’ Association Hall of Fame; Richford High School Gymnasium Dedication, 2005; Robert F. Pierce, Jr. Memorial Award from Vermont Principals 2007-2008; Melvin James Fellowship Award from Lions International, 2008; former Richford Teacher of the Year; Coach of the Year. He was a former member of the House of Representatives from 2008-2018, serving on the Education and Appropriations Committees. It was an honor for him to serve the towns of Berkshire, Franklin, Highgate, and Richford.
Chuck had a passion for horses and harness racing. He owned horses with his dear friend, Stew Schmidt. Together they would race at Saratoga, Hinsdale, and the state fairs. He and Sue looked forward to their summertime trips to Ogunquit, Maine, and attending plays, eating lobsters, and walking on the beach. He was also fond of playing cards, golfing, spending time with family, and watching sports, especially the Boston Red Sox, and the Patriots, and was a season ticket holder for his all-time favorite, the UVM Men’s Basketball team.
Left to cherish Chuck’s memory is his wife of 54 years, Marilyn Sue Pearce; his sister, Sue Johnson and her husband Bob; beloved nieces & nephews, Rob “Beav” Johnson, Kristin Pearce, Deb Cook and her husband Tom, Steve Perley and his wife Lori, and Melissa Perley St. Pierre; adored great nieces & nephews, Connor and Molly Johnson, Nick Perley and his wife Chelsea, Matt Perley, Emma and Mia St. Pierre; great-grandnephew and great-grandniece Chase and Charley Perley; sisters-in-law, Terry Pearce, and Carolyn Perley; special family friend, Roberta Morin; and countless students he taught, players he coached, and friends he made.
In addition to his parents, Chuck was predeceased by his brother, Ronnie Pearce; brothers-in-law, Steve Perley, and Peter Perley; nephews, Tim Perley, and Jason St. Pierre; and great nephews, Thomas Cook, and Dawson Perley.
Sue would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Stewart Manchester for his extraordinary and compassionate care and to Dr. Anne Dixon, for her keen medical skills and kind manner.
Friends & family are invited to Chuck’s life celebration to include visitation on Friday, September 29, 2023, from 4-7:00 PM at the Goss-Spears Life Celebration Home, 96 Dickinson Ave., Enosburg Falls, VT.
A funeral service with Rev. Dr. Jason McConnell officiating will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 2:00 PM at the East Franklin Union Church, 4610 Lake Road, Franklin, VT. Interment will be held at the family’s convenience in the Enosburgh Center Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, contributions in Chuck’s memory may be made to the Richford High School Athletic Fund, c/o Jane Fletcher, 1 Corliss Heights, Richford, VT 05476.
Condolences, photos, and favorite memories may be shared through www.gossfs.com
