Austin Zachary Pierce
February 14, 1997 ~ September 22, 2015
Born in: Meadville, Pennsylvania
Austin Zachary Pierce, 18, of Guys Mills, was taken away from us too soon, Tuesday, September 22, 2015 at Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh, PA. Austin was born on February 14, 1997, to Edward George and Jenifer Collins Pierce.
Austin was a senior at Maplewood High School, where he was most recently nominated to be on the homecoming court, as well as his senior classmates nominated him prom king to fulfill one of his wishes.
He loved to watch movies, meet celebrities, kiss girls, go through photo albums, Starbucks, anything purple, Halloween, preparing his wacky shack, Calista, Dad, Lauren but most of all, his favorite thing was his Mom.
In addition to his parents, Austin is survived by his sister, Calista Pierce of Guys Mills; his maternal grandparents, Kim and Tom Collins; paternal grandparents, Brenda and Andrew Wells and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and endless friends.
Family and friends are invited to call, Monday, 2:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. and 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., at Ryan M. Warren Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 544 Chestnut Street, Meadville, PA 16335, funeral services will be private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family to help with funeral expenses and carry on Austin’s Angels of Hope, c/o Ryan M. Warren Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 544 Chestnut Street, Meadville, PA 16335.
Please take a moment to share a memory or condolence with the family of Austins’ Book of Memories at www.warrenfh.com
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
I am sincerely sorry for your loss, I don’t know you or your family however, loosing a child is just not the way it is saposto be. He is now Basking in the Eternal Sunlight and will forever be your Angel! Speak to him he will hear you. Keep your mind open and you will here him. I am Truly Sorry…
I was so very sad to learn of Austin’s passing. He was a joy to be around and brightened the day of many. His beautiful smile and loving heart will be remembered. Thoughts and prayers are with you
I. Sorry for your loss
There are no words….
I’m so sorry for your loss. Austin was a handsome and loving boy.
Ed, Jen and Calista, We are keeping all of you lifted in prayer. Austin is roaming free of his wheelchair in his purple house with Grandpa Weaver. He was a blessing you shared with all of us. His life touched us all and we are changed.
So very sorry for your loss… Didn’t know Austin personally but learned to love him on Austin’s Angels of Hope” Prayers for the family on this long journey ahead..God bless
Dear Family,
Austin has his miracle,although we wish it were here with us. He is running and jumping for joy in heaven. One day, in the blink of an eye you will see him again. God give you the peace, strength, and be with you in your days. Thank you so much for letting Austins’s light shine and encourage us all. He was an inspiration of strength. A handsome young man who fought for his dreams here and enjoyed life.
RIP Austin I can’t believe you are gone your smile could always brighten my day I know you are with Jesus now and there is no more pain but my thoughts and prayers are with your family now Fly high sweet angel
Love your friend
Heaven
Fellow Pa resident and have been following your family on Facebook for quite awhile.
I was shocked to see he passed, and I can only offer our condolences, and and a long distance hug.
Prayers to you all at this time.
Fly high Austin and enjoy your new life. While many of us will miss you dearly, you will be able to run and be free. Most of all you will have your wacky shack and much more to enjoy. RIP Austin you will be forever missed.
No words can describe your loss. I have followed on face book. Prayers for the loved ones left behind. Fly high Austin.
I will miss you my friend. You were a
Great friend nobody will take your place.
Austin you were a great young man. You
Will always be in our hearts.you will be missed by everyone. R.i.p god be with you. Always and forever Amen
We love and miss you so very much, sweet, funny, loving Austin. Big hugs to you in Heaven and love, hugs and prayers to Ed, Jen and Calista that they find love, support and peace in your absense.
My heartfelt sympathy to the entire Pierce family. I enjoyed following your stories on facebook.
Austin gave me a high five every morning as he came into the school before classes my senior year. He never failed to put a smile on my face and always had an infectious good attitude in the mornings. I’m blessed to have gotten the chance to meet him. My thoughts and prayers are with those who knew him better than I. Rest in peace buddy.
RIP dear Austin..you fought so long and so hard. Your beautiful purple home is waiting with our Savior at the front door to welcome you. You leave so many smiles for us to remember… thank you for letting us share your special moments. One of your FB friends Lynda.
You’re son was the sweetest! Everyday he greeted me with a big ole smile when I’d be on my way to art class. He has a soul that belongs with the Angels! He’s with them now, looking over all his family and loved ones. In this time of pain I hope you can keep your chin up knowing that you gave the earth a beautiful man that brightened so many lives. You have my condolences.
I contacted you earlier about making a Handmade Card for your Sweet Son. My heart is saddened to hear of his passing. I know he was and will always be the most Beautiful Light in your life. As colorful and cheerful as I would have done, God is the original Artist of all he created and will show him more than I could ever dream of.
I pray for peace for all your family and all the lives he touched. God Bless
I did not know him personally,but have seen him out and about.he was so loved..my heart aches for your family…I can’t imagine your pain..
I am so very sorry for the loss of the brightest light I have ever seen. My heart hurts so much right now. Hugs for you, your husband, Calista and Lauren please know you will see him again and he will show you his purple house for you all to live in with him.
We just wanted to let you know that we are thinking of all of you and sending big prayers. We are so happy that we both got to be a part of Austin’s life. Heaven has received a beautiful person. He will always be watching over you occasionally sending you a sign that he is okay and happy. His smile will light up heaven just like it did here on earth. Bless you Jen, Ed and Calista!
I worked briefly at Maplewood back when Austin was in 8th or 9th grade, I didn’t know him very well but what I do fondly remember was his handsome smile. He was always the most upbeat and positive kid. My condolences to your family in this hard time.
Austin positively touched the lives of many youth in the community. They will never forget him and will carry his life lessons forward. May his beloved family find peace in knowing this.
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Ive been following Austin on Facebook for a few months and his sweet smile and bright eyes melted my heart right away. I loved hearing stories of Austin’s day. I can’t imagine the pain you all are in, I hope and pray that you find some peace and comfort knowing Austin is now your sweet angel protecting you from above. Lots of prayers and hugs!
Gonna miss ya Austin and as always you were a force!! I will carry you over the many miles we travel your smile took my heart fly high you young man and god bless your family and all
I am so sorry for your unimaginable loss. I didn’t know Austin in person, but every single picture I saw of him made me smile. His smile and the light in his eyes was contagious. While he didn’t have an easy life, I hope you can draw comfort from the fact that Austin never knew a single day without love. My thoughts are with you. ~Marjan Winstead
My heart just breaks for your family. I followed Austin on facebook and looked forward to seeing his beautiful smile. Praying for strength in the days, months, and years ahead. RIP Beautiful Soul! Excel, AL
My heart is broken, I still can’t believe my little buddy has gained his angel wings. Austin had the biggest brightest smile and brought joy to everyone he knew and to his fans on Facebook. He definitely made the world a better place. I will miss him so much.
Our hearts are breaking. Our derpest sympathies to your family.
so very sorry for your loss. I have been following Austins page for awhile. Always loved seeing his precious smile. Prayers for all !!
I am so very, very sorry for you and your family’s incredible loss. Austin was an incredible young man who always had a smile on his handsome face. He was such an inspiration and loved by so many. My heart aches for you. May the Lord wrap his arms around you and give you comfort and peace always. Much love to you and your family.
Sending so much love and prayer. Austin touched so many hearts, many of whom he never met face to face. He didn’t need to, he just had that kind of personality, that kind of strength, that you could feel, even from miles away. Austin is finally able to have the complete and unrestricted freedom he always dreamed of.
Love and prayers from Sean and the entire Care for Rares family!
Austins smile could make anyones bad day turn into a great one. and love he had for lauren was simply precious. may the family be blessed with comfort and peace.
Please let me express my condolences for you loss. I share in you sadness on the loss of Austin . In my country Israel , we wish the family, may you know no more sorrow and may Austins memory be for a blessing ..Again I am deeply saddened by your tragic loss . I feel that I knew your wonderful family .with love from Jane Rotblatt and my family .
We are so very, very sorry for your loss. Austin’s smile was contagious. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Austins Family,
I am so sorry for your loss, because Austin was one of a kind, he was always so happy in his video’s smiling loving everything he saw. I can remember that through “Make A Wish” i could donate money to Austin’s wish, and seeing him so happy made my heart just simply melt even more.
I cried when i read the news, we lost our angel of hope, Austin, i felt so sad because my wish was to meet him, to tell his mother, father and sister that they always have been so strong and an inspiration to all of us. I’m angry and happy at the same time, Austin is in a better place now, but we will never forget him.
Austin you left so many happy memories here on earth and you left your legacy here, with your smile…
I hope the family will get trough this hard time together.
Rest In Peace Austin, i will miss you so much.
Love,
Demy Smit
(The Netherlands)
Our love and sympathy to Austin’s family. Although we were not an active part of Austin’s life here on earth, we felt the ripples of his smile, love and joy through our granddaughter’s friendship with Austin. It has had a far reaching effect, one that we treasure. May you be comforted always and filled with divine blessings.
Though I never had the pleasure of meeting Austin or his lovely family, I have been following his journey online. Anytime I would see his beautiful face, it would bring a smile to me and make everything better. I am so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers.
Although I never had the pleasure of meeting Austin, I have been following Austin’s journey on Facebook. What an incredible, courageous young man he was. I am so sorry for your loss. Our family sends our thoughts and love to you and your family.
While I never met Austin in person I felt as if I knew him. His smile and his eyes were the windows to his beautiful soul. He had so much passion for those he loved and what he loved. It was an honor and a privilege just knowing such a special guy existed. The thousands of us that got to know Austin through his angels of hope all all blessed to have been able to experience some of those heart melting moments he experience. I am so sorry for your loss and grieve for your heartbreak. I will continue to pray for you during this unbearable time.
I never had the privilege too meet your precious son Austin but I followed his page on Facebook. To have been able to get to see his pictures, his art work and projects he made, his happiness and joy with life and all that he was able to do. It was a way too get too see him and the love his family has for him. It breaks my heart that he has left this earth, but knowing that he has gone too a better place too wait for his family and friends. A place where he will be completely healed and no longer in pain. Please know that you are in many people’s thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. I live in North Carolina, I will be thinking and praying for you! May God Bless you and be with you all!
I had the pleasure of working with Austin for a short time during an internship and he was the sweetest boy! I am so sorry for your loss. What a lovely smile and personality to lose.
My very deepest condolences to Austin’s parents, sister, family, friends and to Lauren, on the immeasurable loss of Austin. He was one of a kind and touched so many hearts across the world. His beautiful smile, sparkling blue eyes and infectious laugh will be sorely missed. He fought so bravely with such strength and determination, a real little hero. Sleep peacefully with the angels Austin, you touched my heart deeply and will forever be remembered. Love, peace and healing sent to everyone.
What a blessing that I got to meet your family through my project on FB. I remember seeing Austin’s page for the first time- he always had the biggest grin on his face and I thought it was SO cute that he had such a crush on Bailee. I had so much fun creating his ‘Bailee’ pillowcase and I knew he’d get a kick out of it. I will forever cherish the video of him opening it up. One thing I always looked forward to was the many pictures and videos that his mom so kindly shared with us all. His happiness was contagious! It broke my heart to see him struggling more recently- it just wasn’t fair. I am so thankful to have shared a connection with him. Sending ALL of my love and comforting hugs to all of his loved ones during this tremendously sad time. Love you, sweet Austin…..
With heartfelt sympathy to Ed and family
You may not remember me, however I remember you and your beloved Austin. While Austin’s 6th grade teacher was on maternity leave, I replaced her for a short time. Austin was a pure JOY and always made my smile grow larger and larger! My prayer is with you and your during this time. What a beautiful soul and young man he turned out to be.
Dear Pierce Family, I am deeply saddened to hear about your loss. My heart goes out to all of you at this difficult time.
May the passage of time heal your grief and may you find comfort in the loving memories.
My prayers & thoughts are with you all in this time of sorrow.
With heartfelt sympathy,
– ElsH –
My most deepest condolences on your lose! My heartfelt Prayers go to the whole family as you traverse this road of loss and heartache! My mother and I followed Austin story on FB and so loved his smile and his spirit that shown thru the screen… My mother passed away two months ago…and I truly believe she was on the receiving team to welcome him to Heaven!! Though we had never meet Austin..we had honestly come to love him!
Your wonderful son will be missed by many. Watching your family through Austin’s angels on FB has been a journey I’m glad you let us share. Austin’s smile and bright eyes always put a smile on my face. His love of animated animals, people etc made it fun to hear and watch his excitement opening the gifts. Just know he will be missed greatly by so many many people. I feel I know your family just from austins updates. Also know you are in my thoughts as you go through the tragic time.
My heart breaks for your family. I will never forget the history of Austin, that I got to follow through facebook. I will never forget Austin, and will continue to pray for those left behind. RIP.
My deepest sympathies to your family. I loved being able to learn of Austin through Facebook, and thoroughly enjoyed his smile on my feeds. Your family truly touched me and I appreciate you allowing us into your world. Your strength was a blessing not only to Austin, but all of us who followed your journey. RIP Austin.
Wow this is sooo sad I have enjoyed looking at his smiling face on here and keeping up with him.soooo sorry for your loss. Pam!!!!!!! Columbia ky.
Completely heartbroken to hear this extremely sad news. Austin was such a lovely boy, heart of gold and had the sweetest smile that could melt anyones heart. My deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends during this difficult time. RIP Austin, you will be the brightest star in the sky for all eternity. Fly high beautiful angel.
To Austin’s mother, I know this is the most anguishing time for you. Words cannot express the level of sadness in my heart. Austin was a very special light in many lives. He deserved many things and surely a better hand of cards in the deck of life, but he couldn’t have had a better, champion, protecter or loving mother. You are all such a wonderful family. My prayers for your family and I know Austin is with our Lord Jesus Christ’s in his loving arms. Each time I see a sunrise I will forever thing of Austin’s heart lifting smile. Thank you for sharing him with us all.
I bought austins arm bracelet it will be my memory of thet
We will miss his beautiful smile! All of us at Zippy Zebras will keep your family in our prayers.
With sincere condolences i send prayers your way. I have followed his brave journey for two years he was an inspiration. I still have his thankyou pic and message i will treasure it. Hes flying with the angels now.
A smile like no other. and an inspiration to many that had the blessing to know or follow you. From across the seas we followed you on your journey through the highs and the lows. Watched the strength you gave your family and watched the way you touched so many hearts around you. You have now got your angel wings gracing the beautiful heavens above, fly high and forever be free. Thankyou for sharing your journey Austin. With love King Family xxxxx
DEAR ED,JENNIFER,CALISTA
SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSE AND YOU ALL WILL BE IN FAMILYS THOUGHT AND PRAYS ,AUSTIN WAS A SWEET AND LOVING YOUNG MAN AND THAT SMILE OF HIS COULD LIGHT UP ANY ROOM,AND HE WAS GREAT HUGGIER, AND HE ALWAYS SMELLED GOOD AS DURING ONE OF HIS HUGS I SAID YOU ARE SMELLING PRETTY GOOD HERE AND HE SMILED AND SAID ITS FROM MY SMELL GOOD STUFF, I WAS HONORED TO GET TO KNOW AND HAVE AND CONSIDER AUSTIN SWEET LOVING FRIEND AND HE WILL BE FOREVER MISSED
LINDA SEELEY
There is nothing I can say that will ease the pain and suffering you are going through right now.
I want to thank you for sharing your beautiful boy with us all.
My heart is breaking for you.
I know he will be watching over you all. He is truly an angel now.
RIP Austin!!!!
I know that it’s awful of me not to be there in your time of need. I can not possibly imagine what you are going through, losing a child. You should know I have always kept a picture of Austin when he was younger, in my purse with my own kids. He was deeply loved and cherished and will be missed by everyone that knew him. All I can say, he is no longer in pain.You made his life as full as possible and loved him unconditionally as parents should. May you always remember the happy times, his beautiful smile, and be able to go forward with peace. I hope everyone offers you the support you need. I love you all.
I will all ways remember your smiling face when. I saw you at bowling and when I used to help with bocce practice I all ways had fun time talking to you at special Olympics I will miss you buddy I all ways had some awsom times with u at Penn state land special Olympics be an angel in heaven
Now we both have sons in heaven though they never leave our hearts. When you see him again,he will run to meet you with a big hug and kiss and you will both dance for joy. Today is sorrow. May your Angel comfort you.
So sorry for your loss, Austin was an amazing fella and he will be missed by many. Know he will always be there with you in your heart and smiling down from heaven with Grandpa Weaver!
My sincere condolences to the family and all who loved Austin so much. I have never had the honour of meeting him, but as a CHD mom, he inspired me daily. All our love from South Africa.
From one set of CHD parents to another, we are truly sorry for your devastating loss. All our love and prayers from Ireland xx
I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your precious son, Austin. He was such an inspiration to all. I absolutely loved his infectious smile and attitude. Fly high little guy. You are loved by so many. Family, friends, and strangers who never met you but fell in love with you on Facebook. You will never be forgotten. Again, Pierce family I so so understand your grief. Prayers and hugs sent your way.
The Wisecups
Sieyera and Berlindal
Dear family,
Molly and I just want to share that we can’t even imagine the feelings you are having . Austin will always bless our lives and hearts and we both will never forget his huge smile!!
Our sincerest sympathies to all.
love, Molly and “Molly’s mom” , Andrea
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal,
love leaves a memory no one can steal.
– from a headstone in Ireland
Austin leaves us all with great memories, so many memories, and all so good, funny, and grand!
Our son, Asa Williams IV, used to find any excuse when the boys were in Elementary school to sneak out of class and race Austin in the hallways! Asa loved to race Austin and just be around Austin when they were younger.
My all time favorite memory of Austin is when he used to Opera Sing in Mrs. Zurasky’s class. Oh, that was the best! Austin would throw that hand in the air and just sing away! Even just thinking about Austin singing Opera puts a huge smile on my face.
Thank you Jen, Ed & Calista for sharing your son/brother with us all!
Hugs, Asa, Carissa, Asa, Dillan & Corbin Williams
My niece katie solina enjoyed her friendship with Austin. She would talked a lot about him. An when she would do a race she would send him something. He will be missed by everyone. My family will keep everyone in our prays. The Hynes Family of Williamsville,N.Y..
Austin was a very inspirational person, his story of his life will live on to inspire others, he’s your amazing guardian angel now flying free with birds as a butterfly. Whisper I love you and messages to butterflies they will carry them to heaven to him. God bless all of you I’m very sorry for your loss.
I first heard of Austin a little over a year ago. I have tried to keep up with Angel of Hope posts. And I like everyone else have been praying for a miracle for him. All I can say now sweet boy is I know you are running in heaven with all the strength and vigor of a healthy young man. And the smile’s we have all seen on you mom’s posts are in our memory forever. God Bless your family Austin, with the love and peace that only our Savior can give.
just saw a friend post about Austin and his sister. Thought I’d leave a note and say my thoughts are with your family and friends. I’m glad he was so loved and his life documented with photos and clearly good memories.
Best wishes,
AJR from WV, USA.