Mr. Richard James Briggs

Pittsfield-Richard James Briggs, 92, of Salisbury Estates, Pittsfield, MA, passed peacefully at home on Saturday, April 8th, 2017. He was born in Pittsfield on April 3, 1925, a son of Arthur H. and Nettie A. (Hawes) Briggs. Graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1944 and received his Associates degree in Fire Science from Berkshire Community College in 1976. Dick joined the U.S. Navy in 1943 and served on the destroyer, USS Alfred Cunningham, in the Pacific theater as a Pharmacist Mate. Returning to Pittsfield in 1946, he worked at General Electric for 5 years and was a member of the GE fire brigade. He was appointed a Pittsfield firefighter in 1952, Lieutenant in 1956, Captain in 1963. In 1968, he joined the Fire Prevention Division and became the Officer in Charge in 1975, until his retirement in 1984. While serving as a firefighter, Captain Briggs, was a board member of the Pittsfield Permanent Firemen's Association, member of the Pittsfield Beautification Commission, Action for Opportunity board, Centennial Committee, Pittsfield Municipal Credit Union Board of directors, where he served as President. After many years working with the organization of the fire department's Fourth of July parade, he took the baton to lead the Eagle's band the length of the parade. Upon retiring, Richard, devoted time and energy to the Ralph J. Froio Senior Center. He was appointed by the mayor to the Council on Aging and served on their board as Chairman. He was elected to the Friends of The Froio Senior Center, where he served as Vice President. A current member of the Dalton American Legion. In addition, he was formerly Vice President of the Resident Council at Salisbury Estates and a volunteer at the Colonial Theatre and Berkshire Medical Center. He was a communicant of Morningside Baptist Church. In 2014, he received the Dr. David B. Kagan Award from the Rotary Club of Pittsfield in recognition of his volunteer activities to the City of Pittsfield. Dick enjoyed playing golf, especially the fire fighters annual Smokey Stover Tournament, cards, and attending the monthly Berkshire County Fire Chiefs Association meetings. He is survived by, his wife of 67 years, Helen (Beauchemin) Briggs. He also leaves his children, James Briggs and his wife, Gloria, of Arizona, Barbara Garrity and her husband, Stephen of Pittsfield, Timothy Briggs of Utah, Kathryn Briggs, and her partner, Robert Spaniol, of Pittsfield, and Debora Belair of Boston; seven grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren and another due in July. He was predeceased by two infant children and his brother, Warren A. Briggs. FUNERAL NOTICE- According to his wishes, the service to celebrate the life of Richard Briggs, will be private. Burial will take place at St. Josephs’s Cemetery. There are no calling hours. Donations in his memory may be made to The Friends of Ralph J. Froio Senior Center in care of the WELLINGTON FUNERAL HOME, 220 East St., Pittsfield, MA 01201. Please visit www.wellingtonfuneralhome.com to leave condolences to his family.

Mr. Richard James Briggs

April 3, 1925 - April 8, 2017