This story is about the power of love - love as we know it and understand it, and love that goes beyond our understanding. The author shares his accounts of the things that carried him through tragedy and helped him move on with his life. It is truly a celebration of two lives whose memories will live forever.
Thomas E. Pierce
Author of The Last Rose: A True Celebration of Eternal Life
Thomas E. Pierce married the love of his life, Jo Ann, on August 13 th, 1966. The two enjoyed a
happy marriage for more than 37 years and raised two beautiful daughters, Lisa and Kathy.
Even after their two daughter's left their home in Vineland, N.J. to start their own careers,
Thomas and Jo Ann seized every opportunity to spend time with the girls. It was during one of
these visits in March 2004, the Pierce family was changed forever
On March 5, 2004, Thomas and Jo Ann drove to Baltimore, MD for a weekend getaway with
their oldest daughter, Lisa. The next morning, the family decided to take a boat tour of
Baltimore's Inner Harbor, and boarded the water taxi Lady D to take in the sights. In what
would become one of the worst accidents in Baltimore's history, the water taxi capsized,
throwing all 25 passengers into the frigid waters.
Thomas Pierce was left clinging to the upturned boat awaiting rescue, but tragically, Jo Ann
and Lisa were among the five lives claimed that day
In the many months that followed, Thomas struggled to piece together his life without Jo Ann
and Lisa. He began writing stories and giving speeches about them, and slowly, Thomas began to
heal. With the encouragement of friends and family, he wrote a book, The Last Rose: A True
Celebration of Eternal Life (Bridgeway Books, July 2007, ISBN 1-933538-85-6, $17.95) in which he
discusses the accident, the aftermath and the loving legacies of his wife and daughter.
Thomas E. Pierce was born in Philadelphia, Penn. where he lived until he graduated in 1966
from LaSalle College with a degree in accounting. A computer programmer and consultant for
most of his life, Thomas has become a professional speaker and writer since the accident. He has
shared his compelling story to numerous audiences, including a fundraiser for the Red Cross,
memorial services for the accident victims, a dedication ceremony at the New Jersey Institute of
Technology and at the Day of Remembrance at Fort McHenry in Baltimore.
Pierce currently resides in Vineland, NJ, near his surviving daughter Kathy and her husband. You can learn more at his website www.thelastrose.com.
