Gregory M. Bria

Born in Wakefield, Michigan, Greg was the son of James R. Bria and Stephanie M. (Miheve) Bria. On May 11, 1968, he married the love of his life, Marilyn J. (Nash) Bria, in Coldwater, Michigan, beginning a marriage that would span nearly 58 years.

Greg attended Bessemer St. Sebastian Catholic School, Lakeview High School in Battle Creek, and Coldwater High School, where he graduated in 1966. He later attended Michigan State University and earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in 1989.

He proudly served in the United States Navy from 1968 to 1972, including service in Puerto Rico and aboard the USS Valcour in the Persian Gulf.

Throughout his career, Greg worked as a draftsman at AIA in Coldwater; a radio dispatcher for the Michigan State Police in Lansing and Flint; a patrol officer for the City of Grand Ledge from 1976 to 1982; a corrections officer at Ionia Reformatory and Carson City Correctional Facility; and in Internal Affairs for the Department of Corrections. He also owned OakWood Sports, where he built wooden lockers for university, college, and high school athletic facilities throughout the United States and Canada, as well as OakWood Enterprises, which provided display cases for championship rings, watches, and awards.

Greg’s love for Michigan State University ice hockey was one of the great joys of his life. A season ticket holder for 52 years and a familiar face at the rink, he became a beloved “rink rat,” faithfully showing up for practices beginning in 1986. Over the years, he supported the team in countless ways, from providing Player of the Week and first-goal awards to helping load and unload equipment for away games. Some of the memories most cherished by family and friends are the spaghetti dinners around the table, Super Bowl Sundays, and the many opportunities Greg had to share in the camaraderie of the team, including joining the players at their annual golf outings.

Greg will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Marilyn of Lansing; his daughter, JoAnne (Mark) Prince of St. Johns; his grandsons, Justin Bria, Christopher Prince, Zachary Prince, and Tyler Prince; his sisters, Gretchen Bria of Okemos and Gina (Jim) Vescovi of Providence, Rhode Island; his sisters-in-law, Kristina Bria of Illinois and Marji Bria of St. Augustine, Florida; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Stephanie Bria; his sisters, Gloria and Becky; and his brothers, James and George.

Mass of Chrisitan Burial will be celebrated at St. Gerard Church, 4437 W. Willow Highway, Lansing, Michigan 48917. The service will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, with visitation one hour prior at the church. A luncheon will follow Mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the St. Gerard Tuition Fund, 4433 W. Willow Highway, Lansing, Michigan 48917; the St. Johns Foundation for Excellence https://www.sjsffe.org/contribute; or a charity of your choice.