BIDDEFORD — Thomas E. Pierce, 63, of Biddeford, died Monday, April 27, 2015 at Maine Medical Center after a brief illness.

He was born Sept. 8, 1951 in Biddeford, a son of Francis E. and Gloria Cormier Pierce. He was educated locally and was a graduate of Biddeford High School.

Thomas retired from the U.S. Navy after over 20 years of service. Currently he was employed with the Biddeford School Department as a custodian.

He was a member of the U.S. Chess Federation and the Biddeford Eagles Aerie #804. He enjoyed competing at chess tournaments and successfully challenging computer chess games, playing and mastering other electronic games, and playing pool competitively.

Thomas was an avid reader whose interests included the Bible, history, and astronomy.

He is survived by: a daughter, Tammy Pierce-Milano of Wellington; a son, Richard Pierce of Litchfield; two brothers, Robert Pierce, and Edward Pierce; a sister, Lisa Pierce and her husband Richard, all of California; half brothers, Robert Toussaint and his wife Bonnie, and Joseph Marquis and his wife Bonnie, both of Biddeford; five grandchildren, Shawna and Michael Burgess, Brooklynn and Shania Milano, and Ashley Foster; and nieces and nephew, Angel and Taylor Favor.

There will be no visiting hours. A celebration of Tom’s life will be held from 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26 at the Biddeford Eagles, Aerie 804, 57 Birch St. in Biddeford.

Arrangements are by Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm Street, Biddeford, ME 04005. To share condolences online, visit www.hopememorial.com.