Students and staff are mourning the unexpected death of a photography teacher at Stow-Munroe Falls High School.

Steve Pierce, who had taught in the district for 23 years, died Saturday morning.

High school Principal Jeffrey Hartmann said Pierce taught the last 12 or 13 years at the high school.

“He was the kind of teacher every kid deserved to have,” Hartmann said. “He was kind, gentle, accepting. Our school is recovering from a void that has been created. We are understandably heartbroken, but it’s wonderful to see our kids, our staff and our community rally in support.”

A public memorial service will take place 6 p.m. Friday at the high school, with visitation beginning at 5 p.m.

According to a Facebook post, a memorial for Pierce also is planned from 8 to 9:15 a.m. Wednesday in the high school's lower gym for current students and staff only. A moment of silence will take place at 8:45 a.m.

People are asked to bring their favorite pieces of art to be displayed. There also will be a slide show of nonprinted photos that will run throughout the memorial service. Submissions are being accepted at bit.ly/StevePierceSlideShow

Many people in the school district and community have changed their Facebook profile picture this week to a Bulldog surrounded by a black ribbon in recognition of Pierce's passing.

Trained crisis counselors will be available for Stow-Munroe Falls students and staff for the next few weeks.

School officials said counselors will be available as needed. If parents feel their students need additional assistance, they can contact the School Safety Tipline at 330-790-1383 or can use the Bulldog Help Line on the top left portion of the high school home page, http://smfschools.org/school/stow-munroe-falls-high-school.

A GoFundMe account has been set up to help support his family. According to information on the GoFundMe page, In Loving Memory of Steve Pierce, more than $16,500 had been raised by early Monday evening, already topping the $10,000 goal after one day.

Many of those who donated left messages on the site:

“You have impacted thousands of students, peers and leaders with a lifetime of discernment and inspiration.”

“Steve was an inspiration to all of us. A life well lived. Rest In Peace Steve.”

“What an incredible teacher and man Mr. Pierce was.”

Hartmann said that T-shirts will be available for purchase, with proceeds from the T-shirt sales going to a scholarship for photography students that has been set up in Pierce’s name.



Reporter April Helms can be reached at 330-541-9423, ahelms@recordpub.com, or @AprilKHelms_RPC