William Pierce Huntington, Sr.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of William Pierce Huntington, Sr., affectionately known as Bill, who passed away September 14, 2024, in Carmel, Indiana, surrounded by loved ones. Formerly of Grosse Pointe, Michigan, Bill touched many lives with his warmth, generosity, humor, and unwavering spirit.

Bill was born on February 15, 1943, to the late John Treadwell Huntington, Sr., and Anita Pierce Huntington. He spent his formative years in Grosse Pointe where he developed a profound love for family and friends, cultivated his steadfast faith, expanded the family business, and pursued his passion for sports, including basketball, golf, and paddle tennis. Bill attended Austin Prep and graduated from Regis College. After college, Bill served his country in the US Army Reserves.

Following his service, Bill embarked upon his career beginning with the National Bank of Elkhart, Indiana. In 1974, he returned to Grosse Pointe to join his mother, Anita, at Walton-Pierce, a clothing store founded by his grandmother in 1925. Bill, with his wife Mary Jo, then acquired E.J. Hickey Company in 1986, which they operated together until retirement in 2009. Bill was a man of distinguished style with a talent for forging meaningful relationships with business partners and customers, which became a hallmark of the Hickey Walton-Pierce business.

Bill was an active member of the Grosse Pointe community, contributing his time and talents to the Grosse Pointe Rotary and the Grosse Pointe Village Association. His later years in Carmel were marked by his enthusiasm for his work at Carmel Clay Parks & Recreation and volunteering with Brookshire Golf Club as well as the Terraces at Mohawk Crossing HOA.

A beloved husband, father, brother, and grandfather, Bill will be dearly missed by his devoted wife of 55 years, Mary Jo (nee VanderPlas), and their children: Bill Huntington Jr. (Kristin), Jennifer Hillman (Jeff), and Jeff Huntington (Maggie). He was predeceased by his brother, John T. Huntington, Jr. Bill took immense pride in his seven grandchildren: Ellie, Will, Andrew, Hollis, Griffin, Graham, and Reese. His most cherished pastimes were actively participating in his grandchildren’s lives by supporting their academics, sports, and extracurricular activities and providing teaching moments through Grandad’s "life lessons.”

Bill will be remembered not only as a respected businessman but also for his infectious humor and the joy he found in a good joke, the kindness he shared to all he met, and his deep love for his family and friends, especially Mary Jo who was the love of his life. His life was a testament to leadership, friendship, and faith, living every day with health, happiness, and gratitude.

A memorial service to celebrate Bill’s life will be held on Friday, October 11 at St. Paul on the Lake, Grosse Pointe, MI, 9:30am In State, 10:00am Mass. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association.

Bill's legacy of compassion, laughter, and love will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be dearly missed, but forever in our hearts.