NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Marvin "Duce" Briggs, 86, of North Adams, passed away peacefully on July 2, 2026, surrounded by love after a courageous battle with declining health.

He was born on Nov. 6, 1939, to Nelson and Eva Briggs.

To know Marvin was to know someone who lived life on his own terms. Fearless, adventurous, hardworking, and unforgettable, he was one of those rare people who could walk into a room — or ride down the street — and immediately turn heads. Whether he was climbing church steeples hundreds of feet in the air as a steeplejack, riding his Harley through the Berkshire Mountains or wherever the open road led him, restoring classic vehicles in his garage, or simply sharing stories with friends over a cup of coffee, Marvin lived life with an energy that few could match.

Following in the footsteps of his father, Nelson, Marvin helped build the family roofing business, Briggs Roofing, and later became co-owner of Mohawk Rigging, where his work as a steeplejack became well-known throughout the region. He was a proud member of the Ironworkers Union and spent his career doing work that required equal parts courage, determination, and skill.

Marvin had a lifelong passion for classic automobiles and motorcycles. The racetrack was one of his happy places. He competed at Lebanon Valley Speedway and other regional tracks, spent countless hours restoring vintage cars and trucks, and proudly displayed many trophies earned from racing and showing off his beautifully restored vehicles. He was also a longtime member of the Night CruZers, where he shared his love of classic cars with fellow enthusiasts.

He had a mischievous spirit that people never forgot. Every Christmas Eve, it wasn't unusual to see Duce riding through town on his Harley dressed as Santa Claus, bringing smiles to young and old alike. Another time he could be seen walking a pet skunk through town as if it were the most natural thing in the world. He was even featured as the centerfold in a Men's Health magazine feature highlighting classic American diners. Marvin didn’t simply live life — he created stories that people would tell for years.

Despite his adventurous spirit, Marvin also believed in helping others. After every snowstorm, it wasn't uncommon to find him plowing neighbors’ driveways before taking care of his own. He valued friendship deeply, and the friendships he built over a lifetime meant the world to him. Raised on Florida Mountain, Marvin carried with him the toughness, resilience, and determination that became the foundation of his life.

Marvin was preceded in death by his parents, Nelson and Eva Briggs; his brother, Nelson "Sonny" Briggs Jr.; his sister, Beverly Briggs Gibeau; and his daughter, Francine Briggs.

He is survived by his sister, Donna Briggs Lonie (daughter Mollie); his children, Rhonda Briggs Transgrud (husband Dean), Andy Briggs (children Andy Jr., Corey, and Brittany), Jennifer Briggs Ering (husband Tim; children Phineas and Sawyer), and Rebecca Briggs Renaud (husband Paul; son Stephan); along with many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family members, and countless friends.

Marvin lived life boldly. He experienced incredible adventures, built lifelong friendships, achieved remarkable success, and, like all of us, made mistakes along the way. In his later years, he carried those regrets quietly. Yet if his final chapter taught us anything, it was that love has a remarkable way of finding its way home.

In the end, despite all of life's twists and turns, his children came together. They stood beside him, advocated for him, made the hardest decisions with compassion, and surrounded him with love until his final moments. He did not leave this world alone.

Marvin leaves behind far more than trophies, motorcycles, and restored automobiles. He leaves behind stories that will be told around garage workbenches, over coffee at local diners, at car shows, and anywhere old friends gather to remember a man who truly lived life his own way.

Some people pass through life quietly.

Marvin "Duce" Briggs made sure life noticed he was here.

FUNERAL NOTICE: Calling Hours for Marvin "Duce" Briggs will take place on Friday, July 10, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Flynn & Dagnoli Funeral Home, WEST CHAPELS, 521 West Main St., North Adams, followed by Funeral Services at 1 p.m. Burial will follow in the family plot in Southview Cemetery. The family cordially invites everyone to join them at the North Adams American Legion following the graveside services. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested for PopCares, P.O Box 482, Williamstown, MA 01247 or Friends of the North Adams Public Library, 74 Church St., North Adams, MA 01247 To add to the Book of Memories, please visit flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com.