Glen Russell Pierson III

Glen Russell Pierson III, "Russ", passed peacefully with family on January 9th at Winter Park Care & Rehab Center at the age of 82. Russ was born to Dr. Glen Russell Pierson Jr. and Rita Lee Bryant in Orlando, FL on August 4, 1942. He graduated from Bishop Moore High School in 1960 where he was a star football player for the Hornets. Russ was inducted into the Bishop Moore Athletic Hall of Fame in 1993. He went on to attend the University of Notre Dame where he played the position of halfback, but an injury prevented him from playing beyond his freshman year. Russ graduated from Notre Dame in 1964 and embarked on a lifelong career as a commodities broker. From an early age, Russ was all boy and shared adventures with his buddies in Lake Sue and in undeveloped Mead Gardens -- getting stitches on a regular basis. He loved to fish and also excelled in swimming, track, basketball and was a rising football star as evidenced by the countless newspaper articles written about his instincts on the field. Russ was recognized as the highest scoring halfback in Central Florida High School Football while at Bishop Moore. Throughout his life, Russ loved talking football and predicting which teams would have winning seasons and go to the college bowls. He was a proud Fighting Irish and regularly wrote letters to the coaches offering tips on how they could improve their game. Russ was much more than an athlete and football fan. He was a proud father to three daughters that he loved deeply. Russ, "RP", had the same loving heart for his six grandchildren. Most every conversation or departure ended with Russ saying "I love you" to his daughters and other family members. He lived life with purpose and everything that Russ did was well thought out and intentional. There was never a question of his thoughts or ideas on matters because he was rigorously honest and a straight shooter. Friends shared that Russ was always the smartest person in the room and that he was also humble. He was thoughtful and Russ's kind and personal cards were always the first to arrive on Christmas, birthdays, and other special occasions. Russ's faith and love for God was profound as he was deeply spiritual in his Catholic roots and also embraced other denominational beliefs. For the last 45 years of his life, a primary focus of Russ's was helping those in the recovery community. He saved countless lives and was always present for those who were suffering and in need of wise counsel. Russ made the most of each day and lived One Day at A Time. He lived simply and enjoyed driving on back country roads to visit family. He loved seeing the wheat, corn, cattle, and other commodities. Russ is survived by daughters Jennifer Pierson Trednick, Anne Elizabeth Pierson, and Lillian Pierson Ivanov (Vitaly); grandchildren Beau & Clara Trednick, Ryan & Patrick Lanser, and Ariana & Stasik Ivanov; Aunt Margie Bryant Gerber; sisters Pam Hardy (Marvin III), Denise Trumbo, and Ritsy Carpenter (Darrell); and countless nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, February 21st at 2pm at DeGusipe Funeral home - 9001 N. Orlando Avenue, Maitland 32751. As Russ would want, please dress casually and wear blue, green, and/or gold. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Russ's name to the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando by visiting petallianceorlando.org or checks may be mailed to 333 S. Garland Avenue, 13th floor, Orlando, FL 32801 - (407)418-0904. Russ loved animals, especially his beloved dog Ruby.

Glen Russell Pierson III

August 4, 1942 - January 9, 2025