Mr. Gerard G. Briere, age 76, of Tyngsboro, formerly of Lowell, died unexpectedly on Saturday, October 3rd, 2009, at his residence. He was the husband of the late Helena (Zwercan) Briere who died August 20, 2008. He was born in Lowell on November 1st, 1932, son of the late Alexander & Arthemise (Masson) Briere. He received his education in the Lowell School System. He then went on to serve in the US Army during the Korean Conflict with the 23rd Infantry Regiment. He earned the Combat Infantry Badge, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal and Korea Presidential Unit Citation. In 2000, Gerard and his brothers were honored by the City of Lowell by having the square at Carolyn & Ennell Streets named Briere Square in honor of them. Prior to his retirement he worked as a carpenter at various companies in the area, retiring from the former Wang Laboratories. Gerry was a skilled craftsman having built many of the homes in which he had lived in. He enjoyed traveling to Florida during the winter with his wife and taking many cross-country trips. In his later years, he also enjoyed fishing and attending the summer concerts at the Sampas Pavilion in Lowell. He is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, John & Donna Briere of Milan, NH, Gerard & Carol Briere of Lowell; eight grandchildren, Gerry, Kathleen, Christopher, Scott and Joseph Briere, Chris, Stephen and Jason Smith; 9 great-grandchildren; three sisters and a brother-in-law, Cecile St.Onge, Ruth Lombard, Julie Chandonnet and her husband Philip, all of Lowell; a brother and sister-in-law, Raymond & Holly Briere of Nashua, NH; also many nieces, nephews, cousins & close friends. He was the brother of the late Ida Houle, Alexander Briere and Henry Briere.
Visiting Hours will take place on Friday Morning from 8:00 until 10:00 AM at the M.R. LAURIN & SON FUNERAL HOME-295 Pawtucket St., Lowell; followed by Committal Prayers at 10:30 AM at the St. Joseph Cemetery Chapel, 96 Riverneck Rd., Chelmsford.