William Brierley

William M. Brierley (Bill) born on August 5, 1956, from Juniata, Philadelphia, PA has passed away on May 24, 2026 after his long battle with Parkinson’s Dementia. Bill was a man defined by his kindness, mannerisms, humor and unwavering love for his family. A proud Philadelphia rigger for Local 161. For many years, he spent his career helping move massive statues, machinery, and historic pieces, such as, the Liberty Bell and the Rocky statue. He also helped install MRI machines at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children, work that quietly touched countless lives.

What made Bill especially remarkable was that despite spending his life suspended high above the ground, he was deeply anxious about heights. Day after day, job after job, he faced the very thing that frightened him because providing for his family mattered more than fear ever could. The men he worked beside respected not only his skill, but the grit it took to keep showing up. Bill proved that bravery is not the absence of fear. Bravery is sleepless nights filled with anxiety and still waking up to face the day.

Above all else, Bill’s heart belonged to his family. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Mary Jane Brierley, and his brothers, Chris Brierley (Lisa) and Walter Brierley (Sharon) of whom he loved dearly. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jeannette E. Brierley (nee Nigro), his five children, Keith Brierley (Heather), Kaitlin Brierley , Frank Minnick (Brenda), Sherri Kotilainen and Victor Minnick (Melany), sixteen grandchildren- Jessica, Sara, Kimberly, Tim, CJ, Layla, Isabella, Kelsey, Madison, VJ, Katie, Michael, Tatiana, Paris, Penny, Henry , eight great-grandchildren and two on the way, all of whom were the center of his world. To his grandchildren, Pop-pop could turn ordinary moments into magical adventures, full of love and belly laughs.

He is also survived by his brothers and sisters: Jo-Mary Barr (the late Cameron), Rita Sigmund (John), and Mattew Brierley (Jeanine) whose lifelong bonds created countless memories over the years.

Bill was a loyal husband and a best friend to his wife Jeannette. Their love was rooted in beauty and a child like playfulness that flourished every day of every season. He was the father who showed up, calmed the storms and gave sound advice. He was the brother that you could laugh with and had a spirit that provided a place of solace. He made everyone around him feel safe and comfortable. Whether through stories, jokes, or quiet moments together, he gave his family the kind of love that stays rooted long after someone has moved on to the gates of heaven. To them, he was simply the best husband, son, brother, uncle, father, grandfather and great grandfather anyone could ever ask for.

Bill will be remembered as a hardworking man with a strong spirit, a generous heart, humility and a sense of courage that revealed itself not in fearlessness, but in determination. His legacy lives on in the family he cherished and the lives he helped build. His wings, that he once shed upon entering this world, will now embrace the ones he left behind until they meet again.

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain…”

— Revelation 21:4

Family and friends are invited to Celebrate Bill’s Life on Friday May 29th from 9 AM to 11 AM in Mary Mother of the Redeemer Church, 1325 Upper State Road, North Wales PA, 19454. His funeral mass will begin at 11 AM and his interment will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, your donation to StJude.org would be appreciated by his family.