It has never been pruned right. I butchered it once. It has many new shoots growing straight up from the old original limbs. I know it needs something. Pear trees can be pruned in late February along with other fruit trees.
Pear trees tend to produce numerous water sprouts during the growing season.
Since your tree is so ovegrown, I would recommend some thinning cuts in February, then some additional pruning in June. Summer pruning tends to be more dwarfing than dormant season pruning. You may reduce production for a year or two to get your tree in shape. We have an old pear tree that is dying. While some varieties of pear may root if treated with rooting hormone and kept under a moist environment, the best way to propagate these trees is by grafting or budding.