Gary “Metsy” T. Brija
Gary Brija, 61, Phoenixville, passed away Tuesday March 9, 2021. He was born March 23, 1959 in Middlesex County, NJ to the late Jacob and the late Jeanette (DeMarco) Brija. Gary lived in Spring City PA since 2014, and it did not take him long to get acclimated to his new life. During his seven years in PA, he was most proud of his volunteer work; at KYAL as an announcer, patient support services at the Southeastern Veterans Center and T-ball coach at the YMCA. While working at the YMCA, Gary could be seen giving the kids rides on his dust mop and making friends with everyone he could. Nothing better exemplifies Gary’s selfless sense of service as the way he was handpicked for a job at Liberty Ministries Thrift, when he was seen helping a complete stranger carry their purchases to their car. This is how Gary will always be remembered, selfless, generous, and always in service to others before himself
Commonly referred to as “Uncle Gary”, Gary leaves behind his daughter, Amanda Jedrusiak (Jesse) of Parlin, NJ; two sisters: Alberta Herman of Toms River, NJ, Joyce Fox of Spring City, PA; Nieces: Michelle O’Donnell (Sean) of Glenmoore, PA, Allison Brown (Steve) of Limerick, PA, Joseph T. Roberts (Jennifer) of Orlando, FL, and Natalie Herman (Keith) and one nephew: Ronald Herman; Seven great nieces and nephews: Sammy, Jacob, Madison, Sean Patrick, Benjamin, Gabriel and Philip and many cousins. Gary was predeceased by his parents, Jacob and Jeanette Brija.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at 3 PM at the R. Strunk Funeral Home 400 Main Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460. Friends are invited to visit with the family prior to the service from 1-3 PM in the Funeral home. A Zoom link is provided on the funeral home website for virtual attendance.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to KYAL, PO Box 6, Kimberton, PA 19442.
Online condolences and Zoom link to the service can be made at www.rstrunkfuneralhome.com. All arrangements are being handled by R. Strunk Funeral Home, Inc Phoenixville, PA.