Obituary of Donald William "Bill" Brigley

Donald W. “Bill” Brigley, Sr. 84, of Peabody, died Friday evening at the Salem Hospital following a brief illness. He was the devoted husband of the late Barbara A. (McCarthy) Brigley. Born in New York City, he was the son of the late Clifford and Nellie (Doull) Brigley. He was raised and educated in New York and later moved to Peabody where he has lived for the past 54 years. Bill was a veteran of the Korean War who served with the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1956. Prior to his military service, Bill was a jockey who won several races from 1947 until he entered the military. Bill was last employed with General Electric in Lynn as a machinist for 23 years before retiring in 1991. After his retirement, he worked for a short time for Colonial Cadillac in Danvers as a driver. He was a member of the Italian American Club in Peabody and was the neighborhood repairman. He was very handy doing carpentry work, plumbing and electrical work for friends and family. Bill is survived by his son, Donald W. Brigley, Jr., of Peabody, his two daughters, Donna Brigley of Gonic, NH and Lori Brigley of Peabody, his twin brother, Ronald and his wife Midge Brigley of Barberton, OH, and also by his grandson Ethan Savluk of Gonic, NH and his brother-in-law, Philip Ketrelakes of Salem. He was predeceased by his sister Dolores Ketrelakes. His Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday at 12:00 PM noon at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody to which relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday from 5:00 until 8:00 PM and burial will be in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his name to the American Cancer Society, 30 Speen St., Framingham, MA 01701.