Obituary for Donald Arthur Briggs
Donald Arthur Briggs, 89, of Fredonia, NY, passed away Thursday, January 27, 2022 at Brooks Memorial Hospital. Don was born May 5, 1932 in Dunkirk, the son of Arthur and Margaret (Deutsch) Briggs. He was a graduate of Dunkirk High School and served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, from 1952 to 1954.
Don was best known for his creativity and artistic talent, kind heart and his love of funny puns. An extremely dedicated and loyal husband and family man, he worked multiple jobs — including over 30 years at Great Lakes Color Printing — while remodeling several family homes. He could do it all: plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, repairs, painting, assembling toys and bikes, building a pool, and more – and he had an “old army trick” for nearly every challenge. Later in life, he gained a love for music, took lessons and enjoyed playing the organ. A tremendous role model, he demonstrated what a terrific work ethic, persistence and pride in workmanship looked like to all who knew him. Don taught us that if something was worth doing, it was worth doing right. Always ready with a heartfelt story about his childhood and growing up with his beloved brothers and sisters, he will be most remembered for his generous nature, gentle manner and easy laugh.
Don is survived by: his wife of 65 years, Carolyn (Hart) Briggs; his children: Cindy Jo Briggs-Rodgers (Jonathan) of South Salem, NY, Ronald William Briggs of Forestville, NY, Kelley Jean Briggs of Matamoras, PA and Beth Ann Briggs of Brewster, NY; two grandchildren: Rachel J. Rodgers of New York, NY and Kate A. Rodgers of South Salem, NY; two sisters: Kareen Briggs Simmons (late William)of Sebring, FL and Martha Briggs Kloecker (Roman) of Erie, PA. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Besides his parents, Don is predeceased by his siblings: Robert “Bob” Raeymaker Briggs (late Louella) of Dunkirk, N.Y., William “Bill” Raeymaker Briggs (late MaryAnn) of Dunkirk, N.Y., Gerald “Gerry” Raeymaker Briggs of Dunkirk, N.Y., John “Jake” Briggs (late Vera) of Portland, N.Y., James “Jim” Briggs, Sr. (Mary Ellen) of Dunkirk, NY, Katherine Briggs Gowen (late George) of Erie, PA. and Charles “Charlie” Briggs (late Arlene) of Dunkirk, N.Y.
No funeral services will be held at this time. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date, yet to be determined. Memorial contributions in Don’s memory may be made to the National Veterans Foundation at www.nvf.org
On-line condolences may be made at larsontimkofuneralhome. Arrangements by David J. Dengler, LARSON-TIMKO Funeral Home.
Don was best known for his creativity and artistic talent, kind heart and his love of funny puns. An extremely dedicated and loyal husband and family man, he worked multiple jobs — including over 30 years at Great Lakes Color Printing — while remodeling several family homes. He could do it all: plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, repairs, painting, assembling toys and bikes, building a pool, and more – and he had an “old army trick” for nearly every challenge. Later in life, he gained a love for music, took lessons and enjoyed playing the organ. A tremendous role model, he demonstrated what a terrific work ethic, persistence and pride in workmanship looked like to all who knew him. Don taught us that if something was worth doing, it was worth doing right. Always ready with a heartfelt story about his childhood and growing up with his beloved brothers and sisters, he will be most remembered for his generous nature, gentle manner and easy laugh.
Don is survived by: his wife of 65 years, Carolyn (Hart) Briggs; his children: Cindy Jo Briggs-Rodgers (Jonathan) of South Salem, NY, Ronald William Briggs of Forestville, NY, Kelley Jean Briggs of Matamoras, PA and Beth Ann Briggs of Brewster, NY; two grandchildren: Rachel J. Rodgers of New York, NY and Kate A. Rodgers of South Salem, NY; two sisters: Kareen Briggs Simmons (late William)of Sebring, FL and Martha Briggs Kloecker (Roman) of Erie, PA. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Besides his parents, Don is predeceased by his siblings: Robert “Bob” Raeymaker Briggs (late Louella) of Dunkirk, N.Y., William “Bill” Raeymaker Briggs (late MaryAnn) of Dunkirk, N.Y., Gerald “Gerry” Raeymaker Briggs of Dunkirk, N.Y., John “Jake” Briggs (late Vera) of Portland, N.Y., James “Jim” Briggs, Sr. (Mary Ellen) of Dunkirk, NY, Katherine Briggs Gowen (late George) of Erie, PA. and Charles “Charlie” Briggs (late Arlene) of Dunkirk, N.Y.
No funeral services will be held at this time. A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date, yet to be determined. Memorial contributions in Don’s memory may be made to the National Veterans Foundation at www.nvf.org
On-line condolences may be made at larsontimkofuneralhome. Arrangements by David J. Dengler, LARSON-TIMKO Funeral Home.