Former NBC President Pierson Mapes 1937-2015

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MAPES--Pierson Godwin. 1937-2015. The son of H. Pierson and Priscilla Godwin Mapes, Pier Mapes grew up in Sterlington, NY. He graduated from Suffern High School and Norwich University. After graduation he spent the next four years in the U.S. Army where he became a captain in the Signal Corps.

Pier worked twice for NBC. For five years beginning in 1963, he held sales services and affiliate relations positions. He then went to Blair Television for seven years, holding a variety of sales and management positions. He returned to NBC in 1978 as vice president of network planning. The NBC Pier returned to had a number of challenges. His charge was to improve the clearances and affiliate relations, and increase television network revenue.

By 1985, NBC was #1 in the ratings, and Pier had been president of its television network for three years. In 1986, GE bought NBC, and the network continued to thrive. Pier retired from the network in 1994. When he wasn't sitting on his porch by his beloved Cranberry Lake in the Ramapo Mountains, he was golfing or traveling with his wife, Pat.

Pier was a loyal supporter of Norwich University and Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center. He was on the board of both institutions and was instrumental in their recent successful fundraising campaigns. A true sports enthusiast, Pier was an avid fan of the New York Yankees and Washington Redskins, and he greatly enjoyed horse racing.

Pier dearly loved his family, his Labradors, and his country. He was a true patriot. His wife Patricia Carlson Mapes, his sister Priscilla Mapes Maresi, and five nieces survive him. His funeral service will be private. An informal celebration of his life will be held at his home, 9 Sterlington Road, Sloatsburg, NY, on Saturday, October 24, at 4:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, 255 Lafayette Ave., Suffern, NY 10901.