Dennis N. Pierson Jr. of Newton, N.J., died Wednesday, April 28, 2021, at home. He was 54.
Born in Newton on Oct. 5, 1966, Dennis was a lifelong Newton resident. He earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Centenary University and proudly served in the U.S. Army in Desert Storm. Dennis worked as a teacher for Sussex Middle School and was a substitute teacher in Andover and Newton school districts.
Dennis was the former commander of the Newton VFW Post 5360. He loved being outdoors and enjoyed hunting, golfing and watching golf. Dennis also found joy in landscape and masonry work, a craft he learned from his father. He was an animal lover and especially loved his cats.
Dennis was predeceased by his father, Dennis N. Pierson Sr.; and his wife, Diann Pierson.
He is survived by his daughters, Danielle Pierson and Stephanie Gibson and husband, Devin; a grandson on the way; his mother, Pat Pierson; sister, Tanya Knaap; brother-in-law, Andrew Knaap; longtime partner, Patty Steph; and his step-daughters, Selena Brooks and Lori Larsen.
A memorial visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 6, at the Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, Newton, with a Time of Sharing at 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.