Avis de décès de Alphonse-J. Briere - Nécrologie - MesAieux.com

CLIFTON PARK Alphonse J. Briere, 84, of Beach Road, Clifton Park died suddenly at Samaritan Hospital, Troy, Sunday, December 7, 2003 after being stricken at his home. He was born and educated in Cohoes and was the son of the late Arthur and Grace Masse Briere. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II from 9 May 1941 until honorably discharged as a corporal on 31 January 1946. Throughout, he was assigned to the 10th Armored Infantry Battalion of the 4th Armored Division. He participated in four campaigns through France and Germany, Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe. The 10th Armd Inf. Bn was awarded two French Croix de Guerre with Palm for their actions 27-30 July 1944 in Avranches, Rennes, Vannes, crossed the Loire and seized Nantes and 12-29 September leading the advance of the Third U.S. Army across the Moselle River. In September 1944, then-PFC Al Briere was captured in action in vicinity of Nancy, France and spent until March 1945 in the German POW Camp, Stalag 7A. For honorable service to his country, his awards and decorations include the Combat Infantryman's Badge, Bronze Star for meritorious service, Purple Heart for wounds received near Nancy, France on 14 September 1944, Prisoner of War Medal, Good Conduct Medal, European Theater Ribbon with four battle stars, World War II Victory Medal, American Theater Ribbon, American Defense Service Ribbon and the NYS Cross for Conspicuous Service. He retired from the NYS Dept. of Labor after 27 years of service. He was a communicant of St. Mary's Church, Crescent for over 50 years, a Eucharist minister and acolyte of the church. He enjoyed traveling in his motor home. He is the husband of the late Margaret Briere. He is survived by his daughter, Susan Cafariella of Burnt Hills; brother of the late Melvina Briere. Grandfather of Louis Cafariella and Tami Hughes of Schenectady and William and Barbara Cafariella of Malta; great-grandfather of Louis, Joseph, Jacob and Michael Cafariella. Funeral Thursday evening 6:00 at St. Mary's Church, Crescent where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Relatives and friends may call at St. Mary's Church, Crescent Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. Interment in St. Mary's Cemetery, Waterford, Friday with a 10:00 a.m. prayer service at the church. Contributions may be made in Al's memory to St. Mary's Church, Crescent. For directions and guest registry, www.dufresnefuneralhome.com