Thomas Howard Brien

Thomas Howard Brien, 82, of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, died peacefully in his sleep on July 16, 2022 with family by his side. Born in Newfoundland, Canada on July 23, 1939, Tom was one of eight children to Thomas A. and Edith (Howard) Brien. At the age of twenty-one, he married Dana Jerrett of Brigus, Newfoundland. They had six children together. In April, 1967, the family immigrated to the United States, settling in Staten Island and later moving to Sayreville, New Jersey. In retirement, Tom and Dana moved to East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania to be closer to their children and grandchildren. Tom followed his father's footsteps into the telecommunications field when he was hired at Western Union in 1958. As a technician, he was among the staff who serviced Western Union's Trans-Atlantic Cables from Newfoundland to Ireland and London. Western Union recognized his technical skills and leadership ability, and in 1970, he was promoted to supervisor. Following the acquisition of Western Union by MCI, Tom continued to train technicians, implement new technologies and oversee their installation. As a manager, Tom supervised a team of 45 technicians and dealt with vendors all over the world. In 1993, MCI presented Tom with the Excellence in Service Award. He retired at the rank of Senior Staff II in 1999. Tom enjoyed household projects, gardening, playing cribbage, and spending time with his family. An avid golfer, Tom spent many summer days on the links at Terra Greens and Fernwood. He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Dana (Jerrett) Brien; an infant daughter, Mary Frances Brien; siblings Mary Larner; Noelle Farewel; John Brien; Jane Stanyer; and Ellen Brien. He is survived by siblings Nancy Vaughan and Michael (Noreen); children Dr. Thomas A. (Yvonne); Peter (Betty); Sue (John); Patti; John; grandchildren Jeffrey; Julian; Christopher John; Ellen (John); Daniel; Katie; Emily; Remy (Katelyn); and Zachary; great-grandchildren Elora and Rosalie; nieces, nephews, and friends. A memorial gathering will be held at Bensing-Thomas Funeral Home, 401 North 5th Street, Stroudsburg, on Monday, July 25th. Friends and visitors are welcome between the hours of 6 to 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital or Shriners Hospitals for Children.