Walter L. Pierson, Jr.

Walter L. Pierson, Jr., 93, of Westborough and formerly Old Saybrook, CT, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 4, 2025. He was the beloved husband of Sheila McPharlin.

Born in Norwich, CT, he was the son of the late Walter Sr. and Elsie (Pearson) Pierson, and graduated from the Norwich Free Academy. After graduating from Brown University in 1953, he enlisted in the United States Army and studied Russian at the Army Language School in Monterrey, CA. The following two years were spent in Austria and Germany where he earned the rank of SP5.

Walter had a 25 year career at Southern New England Telephone in New Haven, CT. Before retirement, he worked in the human resources department where he took on several interesting projects.

An active member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregational Society of Westborough, he enjoyed singing in the choir and participated in several committees.

The years of retirement were filled with many activities. He enjoyed playing tennis up until he turned 86, and played bridge weekly with a group of good friends. Travelling and learning were two passions. He read extensively, played games of all sorts, and enjoyed a challenging crossword puzzle. One exciting trip was three weeks in Austria to revisit places he’d known 50 years before, while in the army during reconstruction after WW II.

In addition to his wife he is survived by his children, Eric Pierson and his spouse, Beverley, of Hollister MO, and Michael Pierson and his spouse, Laura, of Chelmsford, MA; and grandchild, Ethan Pierson; a great-grandchild, Noah Pierson; and several nieces and nephews. He also had a close relationship with his stepsons, Emil and Evan Ray, and their families.

He is predeceased by a grandchild, Jordan Pierson, and his sisters Eveyln Gotschall and Marilyn Carberry.

Walter will be laid to rest privately with his family in Wildwood Cemetery, Amherst.

A celebration of life will be announced.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be sent to TrickleUp, an organization which partners with women in extreme poverty to build economic opportunity and drive inclusion.