Paul A. Briele

Paul A. (Beatle) Briele, 85 of St. Johnsville, NY, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at Albany Medical Center, with his loving family by his side.

He was born on August 12, 1938, in Troy, NY, the son of the late Rev. Herman and Margaret (Higgs) Briele. Paul was a graduate of St. Johnsville High School and earned a degree at Wagner Lutheran College.

His marriage to Patricia A. Softy took place on December 31, 1960, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in St. Johnsville, NY.

Paul was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church as well as the church choir, a member of the Army National Guard, and a long-standing member of Masonic Lodge # 611 in St. Johnsville where he ran the bowling alley for many years.

He was a St. Johnsville school board member which also allowed him to present his children with their High School diplomas during their graduation ceremonies.

He also enjoyed coaching Babe Ruth for several summer baseball seasons in St. Johnsville.

Paul was last employed as a bus driver for Birnie Bus Service located in St. Johnsville. Prior to that he was a manager at the former Life Savers in Canajoharie, and an Administrator at Little Falls Hospital.

Survivors include his loving wife of 63 years, Patricia; a daughter Joan M. McMurray of Fort Plain; two sons, James H. Briele of St. Johnsville and Peter J. Briele and wife Rhonda of Palatine Bridge; ten grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

He was pre-deceased by a son, Paul H. Briele on November 10, 2017; a brother Ronald, another brother John and his twin sister Joan (Fedkew).

The family will be receiving relatives and friends on Saturday, April 6, 2024, from 10 - 12 noon at the Vincent A. Enea Funeral Service, (next to the Masonic Lodge), 20 Bridge St., St. Johnsville, NY. His funeral will commence at 12:00 noon from the chapel of the funeral home, with Rev. David Johnson, Pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church officiating. Burial at West St. Johnsville will take place later in the spring. In lieu of flowers, please make all memorial contributions to St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 32 W. Main St., St. Johnsville, NY 13452. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.

A reception will follow at the St. Paul's Lutheran Church following the service for those that wish to attend.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.