Terrence Clair Pierce Jr.'s Obituary
Terrence Clair Pierce, Jr. passed away peacefully on March 7, 2025 at the age of 88. He was born in Bridgeton, NJ; Lived in Collingswood, Medford, Cinnaminson and Riverton, NJ while employed as a draftsman for RCA and Franklin Electronics and subsequently by Volvo while residing in Greensboro, NC.
Terry's love for music began as a member of his church choir. He was a long-time member of the Jersey Raiders Marching Band as well as the NJ Army National Guard Band. He began his study of Aikido in 1960; he co-founded the New Jersey Aikikai in Merchantville, NJ and in 1968 became the Chief Instructor of the South Jersey Aikikai on Long Beach Beach Island, NJ. In 1974 he founded the New Jersey Ki Society in Riverton, NJ where he served as Chief Instructor. In 1983, while studying at Ki no Kenkyukai in Japan, Pierce Sensei was appointed Leader in the Ki no Genri Jissenkai. Pierce Sensei was a Full Lecturer for the International Ki Society. Pierce Sensei had over four decades of Ki training as a personal massage therapist, having accumulated over 600 hours of certified training. As a 7th degree blackbelt in Shinshin Toitsu Aikido and Okuden in Shinshin Toitsudo, he trained for over 50 years as a loyal student of Tohei Sensei, making him the most senior member of the Eastern Ki Federation.
Terry was known as the "Teacher of Peace" upon acceptance into the Nanticoke/Lenape tribe.
Terry is survived by his beloved son, Terrence C. Pierce, III (Kim), his cherished grandson, Terrence C. Pierce, IV and his previous wife, dear friend, and caregiver, Angela Pierce.
He was predeceased by his parents, Terrence C. Pierce Sr. and Pauline Pierce (nee Cuff) and his brother Kenneth Pierce.
A memorial service will be held in the future in Cinnaminson, NJ. Details to follow on the Givnish website (https://www.givnish.com/).
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