Mr. Emory J. Briggs

Mr. Emory J. Briggs, age 76, of Utica, passed away on Saturday, December 26, 2015 at the St. Luke’s Home. Born in Westernville, NY on January 24, 1939, Emory was the son of the late George and Freda (Freeley) Briggs. He was raised and educated in Remsen. A proud veteran of the United States Army, Emory honorably served his country from 1958-1964. On September 28, 1963 he married the former Toni M. Yero with whom he shared 52 years in a union blessed with a loving family. Emory excelled in his profession as an accomplished automobile brake mechanic. He was employed by NuWay Auto Service and later worked for Yorkville Brake, the position from which he retired. Emory will be remembered as an outgoing family man with a friendly demeanor. He enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren, and loved ones. He was a gifted baker and was fond of fishing. He was a member of the American Legion, the NRA, and the New York State Sheriffs' Association Institute. He practiced his Catholic faith as a parishioner of St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish. Emory is survived by his wife, Toni; his sons and daughter-in-law, Emory J. Jr. and Dawn Briggs of North Carolina, and Richard A. Briggs of Clinton and fiancee Patricia Nessel; his grandchildren, Nicholas Briggs and fiancee Katie Mathias, Shannon and Max Mason/U.S. Army/North Carolina, Jessica Briggs and fiance Steffan Brunson, all of Utica, Carissa Briggs of Pittsburgh, PA, and Mykayla Briggs of South Carolina. He cherished the memory of his grandson, Mathew Briggs, who passed away on January 28, 1988. He also leaves his great-grandchildren, Carter Mason, Ainsley Mason; Logan Briggs, Amber Briggs; and Jacob Mathis; and his step-grandchildren, Ian Nessel, and Julia Nessel. His memory will be held by his sisters and brother-in-law, Carol and George Worden, and Mary Dumka, all of Remsen; his brothers and sister-in-law, Francis and Leona Briggs of N. Utica, and Richard “Dick” Briggs of Forestport; his nieces, with special mention of Jeanette George, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and in-laws Charles Appleton, Richard Rockwell, Cora Chambrone, Madeline Yero, and Bill Carr. He was predeceased by his brother and sister-in-law, Raymond and Blanche Briggs; his sisters, Diane Appleton, and Sandra Rockwell; in-laws, Louis Chambrone, Lucille and Anthony George, Nancy Carr, Philomena “Chubby” and Rufus Ruffule, William Dumka, and Dawn Chase Briggs. The family extends their appreciation to the staff of the St. Luke’s Home for the care and compassion rendered to Emory during his stay. In keeping with Emory’s wishes, there will be no public visitation. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Emory’s Memorial Mass of Christian Burial which will commence on Thursday morning at 10:00 at St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish offered by Rev. James Cesta with Military Honors conferred by the United States Army. The family will receive visitors at the conclusion of Mass.

Mr. Emory J. Briggs

January 24, 1939 - December 26, 2015