
Putnam – Edward J. Briere, Sr., 90, of Harrison St., died Tuesday morning, August 19, 2014 in Matulaitis Nursing Home. He is the loving husband of nearly 68 years of the late Irene A. ( Robitaille) Briere who died on July 16, 2011. Born in Stafford Springs, he was the son of the late Frank and Laura (Masse) Briere.
Mr. Briere was a veteran of World War II where he achieved the ranking of Staff Sargent and received a bronze star for heroism. Ed was a prisoner of war being held by the Nazis for six months before being liberated by the Allied troops on May 25, 1944.
Mr. Briere enjoyed watching sports especially the Boston Celtics and the Atlanta Braves; traveling with his wife and close friends the Cormiers to New Hampshire, and doing puzzles especially word searches. Edward was a devoted family man and cherished the time that he spent with his family especially at their Sunday dinners. He was a Eucharistic minister and altar server for over 22 years at St. Mary Church of the Visitation in Putnam. He also was a member of the choir and was the jack of all trades for the church for many years.
Mr. Briere was a member of the Putnam Lodge of Elks, American Legion post #13 in Putnam, the Putnam VFW, a member of the Happy Singers, and was the 2009 Parade Marshall for the Putnam Memorial Day Parade.
Edward is survived by his sons, Edward J. Briere, Jr. and his wife Donna of Putnam, and William Briere of Dayville; his daughters, Marie Desautels and her husband Paul of Putnam, and Jane Briere of Putnam; four grandchildren John Labossiere, Jr. and his fiancé Deb Rose, Lynne Labossiere, Lauren Briere, and Todd Desautels; three great grandchildren Marquis Shaw, and Dominique and Connor Desautels; his goddaughter Dolores Wallick; nieces and nephews Omer Briere, Lucille Gauthier, Richard Briere, Carol Rodriguez, and Robert Messier, and several great nieces and nephews.
Edward is predeceased by two brothers William and Omer Briere, a sister Lillian Messier, and a nephew Theodore Messier.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Edward’s family from 5:00 to 8:00 pm on Friday, August 22, 2014, in the Gilman Funeral Home, 104 Church St., Putnam. A gathering will begin in the funeral home on Saturday, August 23, 2014 at 9:00 am, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, 218 Providence St, Putnam, CT. Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery. Memorial donations in Edward’s memory may be made to St. Mary Church of the Visitation, 218 Providence St., Putnam, CT 06260. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
Lauren Briere
Miss you already! Love you forever! Gone but never forgotten! Rest In Peace Pepere!
Paul Desautels
Father in-law, father, friend. You were all those to me and you will be missed and thought of often. Love you Ed. Marie and I will always think of you and will always love you.
Pat Krodel
Dear Marie and Paul and Family, I know how difficult this time is for all of you but know that your loved one is having a wonderful reunion right now! Marie, I have many fond memories of your Dad when we had school Masses. He always had a big smile and a kind word for me. I will cherish that. God bless you all!
Edra codding
Briere Family, Sorry for your loss………. and I will be their for my BEST FRIEND JANE LOVE you ALL cookie
Dee Carnahan
Dear Lauren and the entire Briere family. I am so very sorry for the loss of this wonderful man! He was always smiling and happy, especially when he was feeling well, and still able to go to Mass and see all of his friends. He’s been through a lot in the last year and is now resting with God in Heaven. God bless you all at this very sad time.
Love, Dee
John Labossiere, Jr.
Hey Pepere,
We miss you terribly — you were the “best-est” grandfather — we have a lot of great memories to cherish.
Love you dearly ~ John and Deb