Mr. Brien was born in Watersmeet, MI, on May 16, 1914, son of the late Alexander and Amelia (Nee: Bastian) Brien. He moved to Racine and attended Holy Name Grade School and St. Catherine’s High School. While in high school, George participated in football, basketball and boxing. His early employment was at Western Printing and the J.I. Case Co. He also spent considerable part time employment at Porter Furniture Co and Automotive Parts Co.His chosen career was the Racine Fire Department which he joined in 1942. He served in every division until retiring in 1979 with the last eleven and one half years as Assistant Chief.
George served several terms as President and Treasurer of Firefighters Local 321, several terms as President and Treasurer of the Old Fireman’s Relief Association , and most recently as President of the Racine Retired Firefighters.
He was an honorary member of Boy’s Town, a supporter of Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, St. Jude’s Hospital, and St. Labre Indian School, and numerous other charitable organizations.
George loved football, boxing, fishing and hunting. Most noteworthy was his love to hunt in the West, especially when accompanied by family or good friends. George was a member of the National Rifle Association and a life member of the Kenosha Rifle Club. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church and greatly enjoyed the time spent on the many projects for the improvement and beauty of the church, school and rectory.
He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, George (Deanne) Brien of Burlington; his daughter and son-in-law, Linda (Kurt) Yust of Racine; grandsons, Michael (Tanya) Brien of Racine, Patric Brien of Kaukauna, George Brien III of Burlington, and Benjamin Yust of Racine; a great-grandson, Cullen Brien, and great-granddaughter, Delaney Rose Brien; many cousins, nieces, nephews, and a host of family and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Patricia; sisters, Alice Grant and Monica Fortier; and brothers, Clarence, Albert, William, Charles, and Marvin.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 1533 Erie St., on Saturday, December 27, 2008, at 10 a.m. with Rev John D. Aiello officiating. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Friday from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. and on Saturday at the church from 9:30 a.m. until time of Mass. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Joseph’s School Tuition Fund or one’s favorite charity have been suggested by the family.
Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home
803 Main Street, Racine (262) 634-7888
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