Celebration of Life for Gerald Ross Pieters, Sr. June 20, 1938 — April 23, 2017Danny Boy Oh Danny Boy, the pipes, the pipes are calling. From glen to glen and down the mountain side. The summer's gone, and all the roses falling. It's you, It's you, must go, and I must bide. But come ye back when summer's in the meadow. Or when the valley's hushed and white with snow. I'll be here in Sunshine or in Shadow Oh Danny Boy, Oh Danny Boy, I love you so. But if you come, and all the flowers are dying, And I am dead, as dead I well may be. You'll come and find the place where I am lying. And kneel and say an "Ave" there for me. And I will know, tho' soft ye tread above me And then my grave will richer, sweeter be. And you'll bend down and tell me that you love me And I will rest in peace until you come to me. Gerald Ross Pieters, Sr. Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, & Friend Gerry was born to Walter Ross and Ida Pieters in Newark, NY on June 20, 1938. After graduating from Newark High School, he attended the University of Rochester and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. From there he went on to graduate school at Southern Illinois University where he completed his Master’s and PhD degrees in Organizational Psychology. His work experience included several years with Corning Glass Works and with Signetics Corporation for 13+ years in the Silicon Valley, CA. After leaving Signetics he founded and operated consulting businesses in the area of Organizational Development and in Quality Management and Improvement until he retired in 2000. Gerry married Peggy (Bigger) Pieters on September 3, 1960 in the First Presbyterian Church in Albion, NY. They were very happily married for over 56 years. They have three children, six grandchildren and one great grandson. Their oldest child Kim MacFadyen was married to Andy MacFadyen (deceased), and she lives in Queen Creek, AZ. They have two children, Kelli (29) and Michael (25). Their oldest son Gerry Jr. lives in Morgan Hill, CA with his wife Cossette and daughters Sarah (19) and Hannah (11). His youngest son Steve and his wife Carolyn, live in Folsom, CA. They have a daughter Nicole (23) and son Nathan (19). Gerry also has one Great Grandson, Eli Valadao (9 months old), from his granddaughter Nicole whom he was very excited to meet a couple months before his death. He is also survived by his brother Les and sister-in-law Liz Pieters and their children Paige, Heather, Andrea and Thomas. Gerry was passionate about many things in life, especially his beloved wife Peggy and his family. He had many lifelong friends, and was active in numerous activities in Sun Lakes, AZ where they lived for the last 19 years, including: singing with the Chorale and at a local nursing home, acting in local plays, going to sporting events and concerts, grilling steaks, annual trips to Las Vegas, and organizing parties with his wife for their many close friends. Gerry was a man of great integrity. He treated everyone he met, regardless of status, in the same kind and friendly way. He was a very successful businessman, but had clear priorities in life – family, friends and living life to its fullest. He will be tremendously missed by all who knew him as he could fill up a room with his laughter, warmth and generosity of spirit. He truly left the world a better place by being a part of it. Memorial Service Monday, May 8, 2017 Toast to Gerry Reception, Food and Drinks Video of Gerry’s Life Remembering Gerry Open Mic Dessert and Coffee “Danny Boy” Memorial Donations May Be Made in Gerry’s Honor to: Maricopa County Animal Care & Control 2500 S. 27th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85009 www.maricopa.gov/281/donate ~OR~ 2DaRescue All Breed Dog Rescue 4861 S. Desert View Drive Apache Junction, AZ 85120 www.2darescue.org/donate ~OR~ The American Heart Association PO Box 742030 Los Angeles, CA 90074 www.honor.americanheart.org/goto/GerryPieters
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