Daniel M. Pierce, former Highland Park mayor and president of the North Shore Water Reclamation District, died Feb. 13 at 91.
Pierce served as mayor for three terms, from 1987 to 1995 and then again from 1999 to 2003. “As the city’s mayor, the issues that were most important to him were parking, infrastructure and preserving the natural environment and character of the community,” city officials said.
He led the efforts for the Clavey Road cloverleaf project to make the intersection of Clary Road and Route 41 safer. His other accomplishments include his work on the Sisters Cities Foundation and preserving the former American Legion building.
After his last term as mayor, Pierce was elected to the North Shore Water Reclamation District in 2004 and served as president for over a decade. As president, Pierce was respected for his wit and intelligence and was known to say he dealt “with the effluent and the affluent,” officials said.
Pierce was born March 31, 1928, in Chicago. His family moved to the North Shore, and he graduated from New Trier High School in Winnetka. He served in the United States Air Force Judge Advocate General’s Corps and attended the U.S. Air Force Command and Staff School during the Korean War.
After earning degrees from Harvard College and Harvard Law school, Pierce served in the Illinois State Legislature from 1965 to 1985, where he was chairman of the House Environment Committee.
“He was a mentor, friend, and colleague to all who came to know him. He leaves behind a legacy of community and public service accomplishments and will be truly missed,” officials said.
He is survived by his of wife of almost 39 years, Rhoda. Between the two of them they have five sons.
A public memorial service will be held in May at Congregation Makom Solel Lakeside at 1301 Clavey Road in Highland Park.
