EAST FISHKILL – Pierson Ian Montanez, 23, a lifelong area resident, passed away after a 17-month battle with cancer on May 22, 2022 at Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx.

Pierson was born in Poughkeepsie on February 23, 1999. As a child, he was a member of Cub Scout Pack #227 and played soccer for the East Fishkill Soccer Club. Pierson was a 2017 graduate of John Jay High School where he was on the football team. He has been employed by Auto Plus Auto Parts in Fishkill, and had previously worked at Taconic Correctional Facility and Splash Down Beach.

Pierson is survived by his fiancée, who was the love of his life, Emily Foss; his daughter, Sofia Montanez; his mother and her husband, Laura and Josh Barach; his brother, Jonathan Montanez; his grandmother, Nicolina Pasquale; his great-grandmother, Anna D'Alessio; his step-siblings, Matthew, Elizabeth, Anna, and Patience Barach; his uncle and aunt, Bobby and Karin Pasquale; his cousin, Austin Pasquale; his best friends, Jefferson Reyes and Brandon Torres; and many extended family members and friends. Pierson was predeceased by his grandfather, Robert Pasquale.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday from 4-8 pm at the McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction. A funeral service will be held on Friday at 11 am at the funeral home followed by burial at Fishkill Rural Cemetery.

Donations may be made towards an education fund that is being set up for his daughter, Sofia. Please make checks payable to Emily Foss and mail c/o McHoul Funeral Home, Inc., 895 Route 82, Hopewell Junction, NY 12533. Please visit Pierson's Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.