Somerville, New Jersey- William Henry Brien, Jr., 86, passed away on 13 February 2017 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset in Somerville, New Jersey.  Born in Somerville, to the late William H. Brien, Sr. and Ernestine (Wegner) Brien, he lived in the Borough all his life.

William was a founding member, benefactor, and active parishioner of St. Elizabeth the New Martyr Orthodox Church in Rocky Hill, New Jersey, where he was known as Patrick.  The Parish began in his house in Somerville in 1998, where services were held for the first three years of the Parish's existence, before it moved first to larger quarters in Somerville in 2001, and then bought the property in Rocky Hill in 2004.  It was largely through William's generosity to his Church that the new building and property were obtained.  William served as Church Warden of St. Elizabeth's Orthodox Church for the first eighteen years of existence.

William received his BA from the University of Virginia.  He was a history teacher at Somerville High School, where he spent his whole teaching career.  William maintained a life-long interest in European and American Civil War History.  When he was younger, William loved to travel, especially in Europe.  He was an accomplished amateur artist,and was a member of the Somerset County Art Association for many years.

William will be deeply missed by his many friends and fellow parishioners, as well as by the students whose lives he touched.

Friends and loved ones are invited to attend visitation at St. Elizabeth's Orthodox Church, 38 Princeton Avenue, Rocky Hill, New Jersey 08553 on Friday, 17 February, beginning at 4:00 p.m., followed by Vespers at 6:00 p.m. and a Pannykhida (Memorial Service) at 6:45 p.m.  On Saturday, 18 February, at the church, the Divine Liturgy at the church will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Funeral Service at 11:00 a.m., with Fr David C. Straut officiating.  William will be laid to rest at Ss. Peter & Paul Orthodox Cemetery in Hillsborough.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in William's name to St. Elizabeth Orthodox Church, 38 Princeton Avenue, Rocky Hill, New Jersey 08553.