Funeral services will be held Tuesday for long-time esteemed Local 476 member, Fernando M. Briones, 54, whose sudden death last week from a heart attack “shocked and saddened our membership,” said Local 476 president Brad Matthys.
For almost 30 years, Mr. Briones had worked as a best boy grip and rigging key grip on dozens of made-in-Chicago features.
“He was one of our most talented and in-demand grips, a kind person who went out of his way to help others,” Matthys said.
“Fernando was an excellent key grip and highly coveted as a rigger,” said Mark Hogan, Local 476 business manager. “He was a great guy, well liked and one of the hardest, no nonsense workers I’ve ever known. And he always put family first.”
Mr. Briones is survived by four children, Justin, Matthew Timothy, who followed in their father’s footsteps as Local 476 members, daughter Rebecca, two grandchildren, his ex-wife, many brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews.
Visitation is Monday, 4-9 p.m. at Nelson Funeral home, 820 N. Talcott Road, Park Ridge, where funeral services will be held on Teluesday at 10 a.m. Interment is at Rosehill Cemetary.
