Joseph Pierce

Joseph Pierce, known lovingly to family and friends as Joe, passed away on April 7, 2026, in Aurora, Illinois, the same city where he was born on September 19, 1952. He was 73 years old.

Joe was born to the late Robert and Arlene Pierce and grew up in a home filled with the energy of five brothers, Dave (Sue), Lee (Rosemarie), Ron, Jerry (Carla), and Tom. From an early age, he developed a deep love for sports and was especially passionate about baseball and basketball. He carried that enthusiasm throughout his life, and it became part of the spirit that those who knew him came to cherish.

He attended Aurora Central Catholic High School, where he was a star athlete and formed lifelong friendships that remained dear to him for decades. Most of these friends would recall Joe arriving at school on his motorcycle which led to a lifetime of love for owning & riding his Harley. Joe and Marie Schindlbeck met during their junior year of high school, and it was love at first sight for Joe. The two were married on September 23, 1972, beginning a devoted partnership that became the foundation of a beautiful life together. Joe not only gained a loving partner, but also a mother & father-in-law who loved him as their own, George & Herta Schindlbeck, as well as brothers and sisters Jerry (Rosemary) Schindlbeck, Jean (Paul) Hilger, Dick (Sharon) Schindlbeck, Tom (Susan) Schindlbeck, Joyce Schindlbeck, Carl Schindlbeck and Janet (Mike) Dellorto.  Joe is survived by many nieces & nephews.

Joe and Marie hosted yearly bonfires at their home, where lifelong school friends gathered, stories were shared, and lasting memories were made.

Joe completed a four-year Sheet Metal Apprenticeship and went on to become a proud and dedicated member of Sheet Metal Union Local 265 for 41 years. He was known for the pride he took in his work and for the care he put into every project. He often pointed out his handiwork to his family while driving through town, eager to show them the places where he had left his mark. One of his proudest professional accomplishments was his work on the Hollywood Casino from the ground up, and he never missed the chance to joke that he was the only person who actually made money going to the casino every day.

Joe and Marie welcomed their first child, Brian, in 1974, followed by Nicole in 1977 and Kevin in 1981. He was a devoted father who loved his children deeply and supported them in every stage of life. He attended nearly every sporting event they played in and was always their loudest and most loyal fan. Joe built his family’s beautiful forever home in Aurora with his own two hands, creating a place filled with warmth, hard work, and love.

Those who knew Joe will remember a man who lived by example. He taught his family what real hard work looked like, never cutting corners and always giving everything he had to those he loved. He also taught lasting values of respect, kindness, and resilience. His strength was evident not only in what he did, but in the depth of his care for the people around him. Joe was truly selfless, a quality shown even in his willingness to take part in a cancer study so that others might benefit in the future. In his own words, he said, “If I can help someone else, or maybe my grandkids or their kids someday, I will do it.”

Joe became a grandfather in January 2002 with the birth of his granddaughter Mackenzie and again in 2004 with the birth of his grandson Austin, both to son & daughter-in-law Brian & Candace. Grandchildren Zach & Anya arrived in 2005 and 2009 to Nicole & Jason. And Papa’s most precious blessing Kaiya, daughter of Kevin & Emily arrived in 2022. Joe loved his son & daughters-in- law as his own. Never referring to them as in-laws, but just as his children. His support for his grandchildren was among the proudest parts of his life. Whether he was at the ballpark, the stadium, the ice rink, or a band concert, he was always there cheering them on with love and pride. In the rare off season that Joe & Marie weren’t at a rink or ball field, they enjoyed multiple trips together to Cancun & the beautiful state of Washington. His grandchildren will remember him as one of the kindest and most generous people they ever knew. He always made sure they had their favorite treats or drinks at the house, and he listened to them with patience and care. Even through illness, cancer never changed who he was. He never complained and never let it define him. He remained simply Grandpa, steady and loving to the end.

Joe will be remembered as a handy, generous, and selfless man whose presence made life better for everyone around him. His loss leaves a space that can never be filled, but his legacy of love, hard work, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He was a beloved husband, dad, grandpa (papa), brother, and friend, and those who were fortunate enough to know him will carry his memory with them always.

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