Robert M. “Grampy” Pierce, 82, a resident of Venice, formerly of Hopkinton, Mass., passed away Thursday, Jan. 9, 2013.

Born May 11, 1930 in Framingham, Mass, he served in the U.S. Air Force, was a veteran of the Korean War and a member of the American Legion.

Grampy retired from Verizon as a design engineer after 32 years. He remained active as a youth athletic coach in many sports and pursued his hobby of sailing.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Barbara; daughters, Kathy, Susan, Linda and Debra; son, Robert Jr.; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Services: Services will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 12, at Kays-Ponger and Uselton Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 1935 South Tamiami Trail, Venice.