Legendary high school football coach, teacher, loyal friend, man of faith, beloved by family,Wayne Benjamin (Benny) Pierce, 89, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on February 11, 2023. Benny was born to Harriet and Wayne Pierce in Iowa, on October 17, 1933. During his childhood, his family moved to California and settled in Los Gatos where his parents opened Pierce Plumbing on Main Street in downtown Los Gatos. Benny met the love of his life, Mignon Hemness, in 1947, the summer before their freshman year at Los Gatos High School. After their graduation from high school in 1951, they continued their education at San Jose State University where Benny played quarterback for the San Jose Spartans’ football team. Benny and Mignon were married in January of 1956, shortly before Benny fulfilled his three year commitment in the Air Force. The couple welcomed their two children, Brenda and Larry, and returned to Los Gatos to raise their family. Benny was hired to teach physical education and coach varsity football at the newly opened Saratoga High School in 1959. In 36 seasons as Saratoga’s varsity coach, Coach Pierce celebrated 31 winning seasons, captured 16 league championships, and won four CCS championships. Along the way he was a beloved mentor who touched the lives of hundreds of high school athletes. Benny was inducted to the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame in November of 2005 and in May, 2014, he was inducted into the Los Gatos High Athletic Hall of Fame. Benny retired from teaching in 1991, and coached his last football season in 1994.Benny was an avid golfer, enjoyed traveling with his golf group, and spent many wonderful times at his family’s cabin at Blue Lake Springs in Arnold. He loved attending high school football games and mentoring fellow high school football coaches. He was an active member of Los Gatos Christian Church throughout his entire adulthood. Benny cherished spending time with his good friends and beloved family. He was a “people person” who always made time for anyone who wanted to visit, share a fond memory, or watch a game with him.Benny is survived by his daughter, Brenda Skrabe, son Larry Pierce, his grandchildren, Lindsay Picone, Kelsie Skrabe, and Brad Pierce, great-grandchildren Remington Nails, and Mila Picone, and sisters-in-law Robin Strothers and Megan Hassler. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 59 years, Mignon, his brothers-in-law Buz Strothers and Bruce Hassler, and his grandson, Nick Skrabe.A memorial service to celebrate Benny’s life will be held on Saturday, March 25th, 10:30 am, at Venture Christian Church, 16845 Hicks Road in Los Gatos. Family members welcome friends, community members, former high school athletes, and all Benny touched and inspired to attend.
Published by Mercury News on Mar. 12, 2023.
