Thomas Oliver Brierly, Jr., 87, of Warwick, passed away on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at home surrounded by his family. He was the loving husband of Valerie (Coutu) Brierly for nearly 44 years. Born in Taunton, Mass., he was the son of the late Thomas O. Brierly, Sr. and Lavonia (Thompson) Brierly.
Thomas’ life was linked to the sea. He proudly served in the United States Navy during the Korean War aboard the destroyer U.S.S. Healy as a boiler tender. He lived most of his life on Apponaug Cove in Warwick. As an avid boater and sports fisherman, he participated in many tournaments, literally spending hours reeling in very large fish, including a 303-pound tuna. Thomas was one of the co-founders of the Blue Water Sportsman Club of Warwick, formed in 1968, to foster the protection, preservation, and conservation of natural resources and wildlife and to advance the interests of hunters and fisherman throughout Rhode Island and the United States.
Thomas was a lover of animals, having adopted numerous rescue cats, and enjoyed the many land and shore birds that visited his property and sheltered in bird houses built by his own hand. He was a Red Sox fan and lover of motor sports, particularly NASCAR.
He worked as a truck driver for many years, a member of Teamsters Local 251, and finished his career at Hudson Liquid Asphalts. Thomas was a jack-of-all-trades - there was no project he wouldn’t take on including home renovation, plumbing, electrical, masonry and landscaping projects and repairs.
Alongside his wife, he is survived by his beloved children, daughters Lee Brierly and Lori Brierly of Warwick, and step-son Charles St. Martin III and his wife Scarlett of Coventry; his sister, Marilyn Lecuyer of East Freetown, Mass.; six grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter. He was the father of the late Robert Brierly.
His Funeral Service with Military Honors will be held on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, at 11:00AM at THE URQUHART-MURPHY FUNERAL HOME, 800 Greenwich Avenue, Warwick. Visitation will be held at the Funeral Home on Monday, July 15, 2024 from 5:00PM-7:00PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8516.
www.murphyfuneralhomes.org
