George J. Briggs, 81
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — George Joseph Briggs, 81, of 93 Cleveland Ave. died Tuesday morning, Dec. 31, 2002, at North Adams Regional Hospital, where he was admitted Monday following a brief illness.
He was a well-known area businessman and pioneer in area television sales and repair.
Born in Adams on Aug. 30, 1921, son of Herman O. and Florida Lemieux Briggs, he attended schools there until his family moved to North Adams, where he attended Drury High School.
In the early 1950s, Mr. Briggs established Briggs Radio & Television Sales and Service with his father and brothers. He later became proprietor of Melody Music Center in North Adams for the rental of jukeboxes and pinball machines in establishments throughout Berkshire County, Southern Vermont and upstate New York. He discontinued his business in the 1960s and was employed by the former Arnold Print Works in Adams as a screen printer, retiring in 1986 with more than 20 years of service. He began his working career with GE in Pittsfield.
Mr. Briggs was a communicant of St. Francis of Assisi Church. He was a member and past president of the Florida Sportsmen's Club in the town of Florida. He earned his pilot's license and enjoyed flying airplanes. A race-car enthusiast, he sponsored car racing at the former State Line Raceway in Hoosick, N.Y. He was also an artist, painting area scenes.
He leaves his wife of 58 years, the former Virginia Marie Bushee, whom he married Jan. 29, 1944, in St. Francis of Assisi Church; two daughters, Sandra Boucher of Pittsfield and Kathleen Vachon and her husband, Thomas, of Shaftsbury, Vt.; a son, Jeffrey G. Briggs of West Lebanon, N.Y.; a brother, Harold S. Briggs of North Adams; five grandchildren, Michelle Kupiec, Nanette Maturski, Paul J. Renaud, Alicia Emaish and Jaime Joly, five great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.
He was predeceased by a sister, Dorothy Richards, and brothers Herman B. Briggs, Francis Briggs and Richard Briggs.
FUNERAL NOTICE — Services for Mr. Briggs will take place Friday, Jan. 3, at 10 at FLYNN & DAGNOLI-MONTAGNA HOME FOR FUNERALS, West Chapels, followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 11 at St. Francis of Assisi Church. Burial will be in the spring in Southview Cemetery. Calling hours are Thursday, Jan. 2, from 4 to 7 at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested for the American Lung Association through the funeral home.