Michel Gilles Brice died at his home in Hampton Bays on July 16 as a result of complications related to lung cancer. He was 86.
Mr. Brice was born in Paris, France; his family was originally from Colmar in Alsace. During World War II, he fled the Nazi invasion with his mother, brother and sister. After a short stay in Havana, Cuba, he and his family emigrated to the United States and started their new lives in New York City. Mr. Brice received his citizenship by enlisting in the U.S. Army, where he joined the Timberwolves of the 104th U.S. Infantry and returned to Europe to fight for its liberation.
Mr. Brice maintained links to his foreign roots. He worked in the international shipping business, through which he met Betty Frostandersen from Denmark; they were married for 51 years. His children received a French education and he stayed involved in the French community in New York. Mr. Brice retired in Hampton Bays, where he spent his weekends and summers for more than 40 years. He was an avid reader and in this way stayed connected and involved in global political developments.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Kim and husband Kees Hommes; and a son, Marc and wife Jill Baumeister; as well as a sister and four nieces.
Funeral arrangement were under the direction of the R.J. O’Shea Funeral Home in Hampton Bays.
on Jul 22, 2013