Robert David Pierson Former Mendham mayor, bank executive, proud volunteer firefighter, 81, passed away peacefully at home, with his family by his side, on Feb. 14, 2017.

Robert David Pierson Former Mendham mayor, bank executive, proud volunteer firefighter Robert David Pierson, 81, passed away peacefully at home, with his family by his side, on Feb. 14, 2017.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, Feb. 19, at 2 p.m., at the Presbyterian Church in Morristown, 57 East Park Pl., Morristown, N.J. Burial will be private. Born in Orange, N.J., on March 5, 1935, Robert grew up in Summit, N.J. His lifelong love of firefighting was nurtured by the Summit Fire Department. He graduated from The Pingry School and from Lehigh University in 1957, where he was a member of Sigma Phi fraternity. Robert became a lieutenant in the U.S. Coast Guard and was stationed in Boston, where he met the love of his life, Virginia Knight. After marrying in 1960, they raised their three children in Morris Township, N.J., before moving to Mendham Township, N.J., in 1989.

Robert had a long history in banking. He started at The Bowery Savings Bank in the 1970's. He was vice chairman and director of Carteret Bancorp in the 1980's and retired as the president of Collective Bancorp in 1997. Robert had a long history of volunteering in his communities, with board positions ranging from the Morris Museum, the Morris Land Conservancy, Morristown YMCA, and the Washington Association of New Jersey.

After moving to Mendham Township, he was elected to the township committee for 15 years and served two terms as mayor. He also served as the police commissioner. Robert was a longtime member of Morris County Golf Club and served as president of The Morristown Club. Robert's favorite avocation was being a volunteer firefighter. He proudly served for 54 years with the Woodland Hook and Ladder Co. No. 1 and for 28 years with Brookside Engine Company No. 1. He was an officer in both, and chief in Brookside. He was very proud to be one of the founding directors of the Morris County Firefighter and Police Training Academy.

Robert was predeceased by his parents, Muriel and Carleton Pierson. He is survived by his cherished wife of 56 years, Virginia and his loving children and adored grandchildren, Lisa Pierson Boles and husband, Andrew (Charlie, Jordan, Jamie, Chris, and Ginger); Alexandra Pierson Mead and husband, David (Emily, Pierce, Sam) and Robert W. Pierson and wife, Patricia (Liam, Brandon). Donations in Robert's memory may be made to Brookside Engine Company No. 1, P.O. Box 196, Brookside, N.J. 07926 or Mendham Township First Aid Squad, P.O. Box 122, Brookside, N.J. 07926.