Robert M. Pierce, 78, of Salem, NH, beloved husband of Karen (Krupski) Pierce passed away peacefully Monday, October 4, 2021 at his home surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Lawrence, MA, the son of the late James and Helen (Cantillon) Pierce.

Born and raised in Lawrence, Bob was a graduate of Central Catholic High School, Class of 1960. He also attended Merrimack College. He worked as an auditor for the Internal Revenue Service for 30 years, until his retirement in 1996. He also worked for Rockingham Ventures as a night manager of Rockingham Park Racetrack for over 18 years. He was an animal lover and an avid Boston sports fan, especially the Red Sox and New England Patriots. Being a sports fan and athlete, he spent many years coaching the Salem Girls Softball team and helped lead them to the New Hampshire State Championship. Bob was most proud of his daughter, a dedicated teacher and coach. You would often find him on the sidelines cheering the teams she coached. Bob was a member of the Howard Association, a group made up of lifelong childhood friends, which raises money for local charities and friends in need. They would meet for breakfast monthly to make plans for future charitable events and to simply discuss memories of their years growing up together.

Bob is survived by his wife, Karen, who was the absolute love of his life for over 51 years. He is also survived by his daughter Rebecca (Pierce) Webster and her husband Jason and his daughter, Shaelyn, of Salem, NH; his sister, Carol O'Loughlin and her husband Brian of Methuen, MA and their sons, Kevin of Salem, NH and Patrick of San Diego, CA and his cousin, Richard Pierce of Cape Canaveral, FL, who spent a lot of time with Bob in his later years.

Other individuals who held a very special place in Bob's heart were Busty Campo of Danville, his best friend since the age of 10. They shared a special bond, from driving cross country to California, to being the best man in his wedding, and spending time together in the last few years of his life. They loved each other like brothers. Also special to Bob is Savian Cabrera, of Lawrence. Bob was like a grandfather to Savian and he was so very proud of the young man that Savian has become.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend visiting hours Friday, October 8, 2021 from 3:00pm to 7:00pm in the Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main St., Salem, NH. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Bob wishes that donations be made in his name to the Salem Animal Rescue League, 4 Sarl Dr., Salem, NH 03079.