Edward J. BRIERE

DAYTONA, Fla. -- Edward J. Briere, a Daytona resident and Lowell native who was a veteran of World War II, died yesterday morning, Aug. 3, in Lowell. He was the husband of the late Ruth (Slater) Briere.He was born and educated in Lowell, a son of the late Joseph and Albertina (Marques) Briere.Mr. Briere served in the Army during World War II with the 801st Tank Destroyers Division. According to family members, he fought in five major battles and received two Purple Hearts one in the Battle of St. Lo and also in the Battle of the Bulge.Before retiring, Mr. Briere was a member of the Laborers International Union 429.His survivors include two sons and a daughter-in-law, Ricky Briere and his wife, Cheryl of Lowell, and Joseph Briere of Londonderry, N.H.; a stepson, Howard Old; a daughter and son-in-law, Renee and Peter Cerretti of Lowell; a daughter-in-law, Linda Briere of Pelham; many grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; a close friend, Lucille Pelletier of Daytona; and many nieces and nephews.He was also the father of the late Edward J. Briere, Jr., and brother of the late Leo Briere, Clarise Keraghan, Dorothy Rudy and Rita Golden. Published in the Lowell Sun on 8/4/2005.