Bruce A. Briere of Lowell, MA

Bruce A. Briere, 76, a proud lifelong resident of Lowell, Mass., passed away at his home October 23, 2024. He was the husband of Valerie (Dzwilewski) Briere, with whom he would have celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary later this year on December 27.

Born March 5, 1948, he was the son of the late Constance B. (Desilets) Briere and the late Ovide Briere. He spent his youth mostly between both Lowell and Nashua, N.H., where his late uncle and aunt, Walter and Rita (Briere) Raucykevich resided. He always spoke fondly of the couple, and the times spent at their home growing up including learning how to fish with his Uncle Walter along the Merrimack River. Later in his life, these cherished childhood memories and their influence were reflected in trips teaching his grandsons to fish along the banks of the same river and its many canals.

Mr. Briere was especially proud of his French-Canadian heritage and known for his exceptional pork pies. During the holidays, he would bake a dozen or so pies for his closest family and friends, as they were the most sought-after gift every year. Cooking was one of his passions and he enjoyed sharing this with many. On any morning you could find him in the kitchen whipping up large batches of certain dishes he perfected, including his spaghetti sauce, packing it up and giving it out. His generosity was not only apparent at the dining room table, but in every aspect of his life.

Helping and comforting others made him smile, as did music. There was rarely a day where you wouldn’t find his home filled with the sounds of music — either blaring through antique speakers or from his own harmonica. He enjoyed listening to every genre, however Blues was his favorite. He taught himself to play many tunes on the harmonica by legendary artists such as Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson, James Cotton and many others.

Along with his affection for music, he enjoyed working on vintage tube amps, microphones, radios and electronics. There was rarely a yard sale he would pass by without stopping at, as he had a knack for spotting valuable and unique items. Many of these finds he would spend hours researching, refinishing and restoring to their original condition. His home in the Highlands section of the city is filled with an eclectic blend of his discoveries or “projects” as he would refer to them.

On top of everything, Mr. Briere was most content spending time with his wife, children and particularly his grandsons. He was extremely proud of all five of them and dedicated to being the best grandfather possible giving them his all every single moment he was with them.

During the Vietnam War, Mr. Briere served in the Unites States Army in 1968 through 1969.  He received the National Defense Service Medal and also the Vietnam Campaign Medal.

Besides his wife, Valerie, he is survived by a daughter, Rachel R. Briere and her fiancé, James Anderson, of Westford; a son and daughter-in-law, Bruce J. and Brittany (Trott) Briere of Gilbert, Ariz.; and five grandsons, David, Desmond and Lucas Lacoy of Westford, and Caleb and River Briere of Gilbert, Ariz. In addition to his immediate family, he also leaves many close friends and family.

The family would like to thank Dr. Kent Creamer M.D., and the Primary Care Department staff at the Jamaica Plain VA Medical Center in Boston for their compassionate care of Bruce and many other veterans.

BRIERE – It being his wishes, there will be no services for Mr. Briere at this time. A celebration of life will be held in the future. Donations in his name may be made to any chapter of the DAV – Disabled American Veterans. ARRANGEMENTS BY MORSE-BAYLISS FUNERAL HOME 978-458-6841. Guestbook at www.morsebaylissfuneralhome.com