Quiet homeless man who tried never to bother anyone dies quietly, alone in vacant building [View All]

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http://www.dailygazette.com/news/2008/jan/26/0126_homeless/

Saturday, January 26, 2008
By Michael Lamendola (Contact)
Gazette Reporter

SCHENECTADY — William “Bob” Pearce lived as a quiet man who tried never to bother anyone, even when the cold was so fierce it froze off his toes, friends said.

Pearce, a homeless alcoholic, also died quietly. Police found his body Tuesday afternoon inside a vacant building he used as a temporary shelter.

The cause of death is unknown, but police said they do not consider it suspicious. The results of an autopsy, conducted Thursday, were not available.

Pearce, 56, often slept inside the building at 758 1⁄2 State St., said Margaret Anderton, executive director of the Bethesda House, which provides services to homeless people. Anderton knew Pearce for four years and tried to help him with his addiction.