John H. Brierley, known to his friends as Jack, 84, of Bear, DE passed away Tuesday, December 8, 2015.
Born July 4, 1931 in Philadelphia, PA, Jack was the son of the late Robert and Minetta Brierley. Jack served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War as a paratrooper and was a proud member of the 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment (Rakkasans). He was also a member of VFW Post 3792. He loved gardening and working in the yard; tinkering with his tools to make things and woodworking. He enjoyed making stained glass, going to auctions, and keeping up on current events. Jack always spoke his mind and would offer his advice or opinion whether it was needed or not. He was a good story teller and enjoyed telling jokes to make people smile. Most of all, Jack cherished spending time with his family and friends.
Jack is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Retha Brierley; two sons, Johnny Brierley, Jr. (Melanie) and Jamie Ferrell (Shelley); two daughters, Linda Brierley and Joyce Van Blarcom (El);seven granddaughters, Kristy and Lisa Van Blarcom, Constance and Lola Ferrell Johanna Brierley, Crystal Tweed and Faryen Brierley; five grandsons, Jesse Van Blarcom (Kim), Daniel Kelley, John H. Brierley, III, James Ferrell and Thomas Freeman, and several great grandchildren; two brothers, Bill and Bobby Brierley; and his sister, Dorothy Wilson.
A service will be held in Jack’s honor at 12 Noon Thursday, December 17, 2015 at R.T. Foard & Jones, Inc., 122 W. Main St., Newark, DE 19711, where family and friends may visit beginning at 10am. Burial will follow at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery.