Benedict Pierro
Lieu de naissance : Wagmatcook, Nouvelle Ecosse, Canada
Lieu de décès : Sydney, Nouvelle Ecosse
Date de décès : 30 septembre 2017
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Grand Council Keptin Benedict Pierro on September 30, 2017 at the age of 71 at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Born in Wagmatcook, he was the son of the late Stephen and Mary Helen (Stevens) Pierro.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Catherine Pierro ‘Molly’ of 48 years; his sons, Craig Pierro, Troy Pierro, Benedict Junior Pierro (Mary Jo), Jason Pierro, all of Wagmatcook, Geoffrey Pierro, Montreal; daughters, Louise Witzell (Gerard Witzell), Amelia Pierro (John Kenall); brother, Christopher Francis; grandchildren, Jodi Q, Liam, Taylor, Michael, Samantha, Sheldon, Kyle, Zachary, Sebastian, Jason and Jemma; seven great-grandchildren; godchildren, Melissa Peck, Oliver Lewis, Morgan Toney, Lindsay Arbuthnot, Noel Louie Isadore, Stephanie Pierro and Jennifer Isadore. Benedict is survived by one uncle, Ronald Stevens of Wagmatcook. Benedict was a loving father, husband, grandfather and friend to all. He was predeceased by daughters, Valerie Andrea Pierro, Annie Jane Pierro; grandson, Gabriel Pierro; sister, Charlotte Pierro ‘Cherry’; and a number of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Benedict was the Chief of Wagmatcook for over twenty years. He also served in Council for one term. He was Grand Council Captain of Wagmatcook. During his leadership, he was the driving force when the band took control of education in Wagmatcook. Benedict lead the process to close the Federal School in 1985 to establish the Wagmatcookewey Mi’kmawewey School. He advocated for the teaching of Mi’kmaw language, culture, history and religion in the community controlled school. Chief ‘Ben’ approved the plan to start the first high school in Mi’kmaw territory and in the Atlantic Region. Wagmatcookewey School graduates have benefitted from Chief Ben’s vision and political leadership for ‘Mi’kmaw education’. He was one of the Residential School survivors.
He was determined to bring language and culture into the school curriculum. He brought to the community various educational programs in Wagmatcook for example, the McGill University to train Native teachers. He negotiated land claims for Wagmatcook. Benedict also assisted in the introduction of Option 3B of Native Policing for Wagmatcook. He had a trade in meat cutting. He attended Compu College and graduated with a certificate. He worked closely with the late Charlie Peter Googoo in organizing sports in Wagmatcook. In his younger years, he loved to play hockey. Benedict was always there to help friends with advice and to be a listening ear to community members or whatever else they needed him for. Benedict loved to play bingo in his earlier days.
Visitation for Benedict will begin on Sunday, October 8, 2017 at the Wagmatcook Elder’s Centre at 57 B Fishery Road, Wagmatcook after 1 p.m. Celebration of Benedict’s life (funeral) will be on Tuesday, October 10 at 11 a.m. at Queen of the World Church, Wagmatcook with Fr. Paul MacGillivray officiating. Burial at Wagmatcook Cemetery.
A Special thanks to Dr. Genge and to Dr. Chow for their years of care to Benedict. Thanks to Wagmatcook Health Centre staff, thanks to all the staff at Victoria County Memorial Hospital in Baddeck and to CCU staff at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.twcurry.com.
