David Pierce

April 24, 2020
David Pierce

Gifts & Memorial Donations



David “Dave” Pierce, 67, of Springfield, VA, became an angel on April 24th, 2020 after battling debilitating health issues.

Dave was born in Minneapolis, MN to the late Earl S. Pierce & Phyllis M. Funk (Both WWII veterans) and grew up in Springfield, VA. Dave was preceded in death by his sister Sandra Pierce, is survived by his sister Dianne Barwell and her husband Clive Barwell of Frederick, MD, his brother Steven Pierce of Raleigh, NC, along with the many friends made throughout his life.

Dave received his Bachelor’s degree from the College of William & Mary (founded 1693.) He remained in Williamsburg for several years working at Colonial Williamsburg’s King’s Arms Tavern (where he often sent his customers on fictitious “Brunswick” hunts) and The Colonial Printer & Bookbindery where he used the ‘arts of the old masters’ to create numerous hand-bound masterpieces including his fiancé Sheri Limberger’s Doctoral Thesis, his beloved J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings Trilogy, also children’s tales and Williamsburg cookbooks.

Dave eventually moved back to Springfield, VA. He founded Open System Sciences of Virginia, Inc., first operating in his home with a few desks, eventually growing OSS into a multi-million dollar business employing 90+ people. In 2016, Dave retired and turned over the reins of his company to the next generation.

Dave prided himself on his ability to quote “Firesign Theatre” word-for word, his affinity for Monty Python, starting most conversations, not with “Hello”, but with, “What’s your favorite color?”  “Blue… wait, AHHHHHHHHHHHH,” and of course, the 400+ times he watched his favorite DVD Movie, “Top Gun.”

David was always a generous man to family and friends. He absolutely loved the Christmas season, from Nemacolin, PA, to Bretton Woods, NH, to the Biltmore Estate, NC, and to where he had a special place in his heart, Williamsburg, VA.  He attended Colonial Williamsburg’s ’Grand Illumination’ festivities for 30+ years, treating all to a magnificent get-together at Kingsmill on the James, always staying in Suite 5011, affectionately referred to as the “smudge room.” Though confined this past year to a wheelchair, he attended his last Grand Illumination in December 2019 with his brother, his sister, and his brother-in-law by his side.

David will be laid to rest at the Williamsburg Memorial Park Burial Estate, Williamsburg, VA.

He will be missed. 

Due to the Covid-19 virus restrictions, a private service is scheduled for Friday, May 1, 2020 at 10 a.m., followed by a 2 p.m. interment.

Online condolences may be offered to David’s family at bucktroutfuneralhome.net.

Flowers or other remembrances may be sent directly to the funeral home, Bucktrout of Williamsburg, 4124 Ironbound Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188 , (757) 229-3822.  Donations may be made to Pancreatic Cancer in David’s name by calling (877) 272-6226 or accessing their website at https://www.pancan.org


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  • April 29, 2020
    Gary says:
    Kind and generous to a fault ......the brother I never had...

  • April 29, 2020
    Patrick Wang says:
    Dave, RIP my Bro and you will be dearly missed by all of us. You are a wonderful and kind person that I ever known. Until than ....... my brother!!!!

  • April 29, 2020
    Mitch Williams says:
    R.I.P. David. The best boss ever and the most kind hearted person I've ever met. I don't order popcorn shrimp anymore. So many memories. You will be heavily missed.

  • April 29, 2020
    oscar aizcorbe says:
    You left too soon Dave. Rest.

  • April 29, 2020
    Jim says:
    How do quantify a 40 year relationship? Dave was one of the kindest, most generous people you could ever meet. It is a sad time for everyone that knew and loved Dave. I will miss Dave as in many ways he was and always will be part of my family and life. Rest In Peace my brother