Pieri, Michael Joseph, a resident of Mascoutah, Illinois, Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church, passed away on January 19, 2024 at the age of 59. He is survived by his wife Holly Pieri (nee Dennis), his father Donald (Gail) Pieri, and his loving children Katie (Mike) Kearbey, Matt (Alex) Pieri, and Mikey (Ashley) Pieri.
He was the cherished son of Donald Pieri and the late Patricia Pieri (nee Godfrey), a caring brother to Jan Pieri and Tim (Kathy) Pieri, and a stepfather to Ashley (Tony) Frierdich and Ariel (Tyler) Biggerstaff. Michael was a doting grandfather to Avery, Molly, James, Chase, Carson, Oliver, Milo, Rory, Mila, and Vin. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss him dearly.
Michael graduated from Christian Brothers College (CBC) High School in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1982, where he distinguished himself as an outstanding soccer player. His passion for soccer continued throughout his life, and he later found joy in coaching the sport.
Michael faced the challenges of AML Leukemia with courage and resilience after his diagnosis on February 18, 2004. On September 2, 2004, he received a life-saving bone marrow transplant from an unrelated donor, Susan Thompson, from Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. Susan’s selfless act not only gave Michael a second chance at life but also forged a lasting friendship. In 2009, Michael had the pleasure of meeting Susan and her family; the Pieri family will forever be grateful for her generosity.
Despite health challenges, Michael lived life to the fullest over the past 20 years. He graduated from the American Woodworking Academy in 2008, receiving a diploma in Advanced Woodworking. Michael found joy in activities such as fishing, golfing, and coaching soccer. A fighter until the end, he approached each challenge with determination.
In addition to his human family, Michael was a devoted dog dad to two dachshunds, Louie and Rudy, who brought him comfort and joy.
May he rest in peace, and may his memory be a source of comfort to all who knew and loved him.
KUTIS SOUTH COUNTY
May Perpetual Light shine down upon him!
I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing.
So sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Mike was an amazing young man, a great son and fathers as well as a tremendous soccer player at CBC and in grade school. He was a friend of ours and we were friends of his family. After Michael was diagnosis with leukemia he fought as hard as possible to beat this disease but lost the battle even though his mother was a nurse and by his side constantly to help him in every way she could. Our prayers and sympathy to the entire family.
I want to give my condolences to Holly and the whole Pieri family for your loss.
I first met Mike while working together in the late 80’s at Accu-Color. We became good friends and have been in contact with each other until his passing. I feel honored and privileged that I got to see Mike a lot over the last year. We started playing a lot of golf together over the last year, one week I would go over to Illinois and play a course over there and then the next week he’d come to Missouri and we would play one over here. Mike is one of the toughest guys I’ve ever met. He went through so much fighting every step of the way and was able to get nearly 20 more years after he was diagnosed with leukemia. I honestly really do think of him when it comes to grit and determination. Whether it was when we were golfing and he was dragging his oxygen tank along for every shot or when he was fighting through the many hospital visits over the years… he’s truly been an inspiration to me. I was truly blessed to have known Mike. I’m going to miss his sense of humor and playing golf with him. RIP my friend.
I’m so sorry to hear about Mike’s passing. He certainly was a fighter. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mike’s family.
What a warrior!!!! And an inspiration to anyone that knew him. For 20 years he endured with grace. It was a privilege to have known him from the time he was a boy at St Tim’s and our families became good friends. He became an example to so many people on how to carry on despite adversity, God speed on your new journey sweet boy. ❤️
Pier was such a great guy. My condolences to the entire Pieri family.
It was great to reconnect with him at one of our CBC ’82 happy hours.
It was like we didn’t miss a beat. Telling soccer and high school stories like it was yesterday. Mike could make a soccer ball knuckle like no one I’ve ever seen, he was such a great player, person and friend.
Miss you my friend.
Mike was a great guy, a great friend and an amazing soccer player. Our thoughts and prayers will be with Mike and his family.