Felix John Pierce, 90, of Blacksburg, Va., passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday, January 24, 2023, surrounded by his loving family and dedicated caregivers.

Born on November 5, 1932, Felix was a graduate of University of Rhode Island and Cornell University. A gifted professor, mentor, and researcher, he shared his talents with the community and as a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering Department at Virginia Tech for four decades, and his research resulted in more than 50 publications and a textbook on thermodynamics. 

Robert Mahan, professor emeritus in mechanical engineering, shared fond memories of Pierce.

"When I came to VT as a newly-minted assistant professor in the fall of 1970, Felix was already here," Mahan said. "Considered to be one of the leaders of the department, he was one of the people who mentored me because we both taught thermodynamics. We used to have an annual faculty barbecue picnic every fall, and one of the highlights was when a circle of kids would surround Felix to watch him twist up balloon animals. I have fond memories of Felix Pierce."

He will always be cherished as a loving, patient spouse, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. In addition to his parents and his six brothers and sisters, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 64 years, Sally Sutcliffe Pierce. Felix is survived by his daughter, Patricia Pierce Jones; daughter, Jennifer Pierce Hody; son, Dr. Christopher Pierce, as well as eight grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. The family will always be especially grateful for his loving and dedicated caregivers, Diana Kennedy, Tina Houston, and Kelly Apisa.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Alzheimer's Association.

Original obibtuary published by Roanoke Times on Jan. 29, 2023.