Obituary of Francis D. Briggs

GOUVERNEUR- Francis D. "Red Fox" Briggs, age 80, of Gouverneur, passed away on Thursday, June 29, 2017 at Gouverneur Hospital. Calling hours for Francis will be on Thursday, July 6, 2017 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at French Funeral Home, Gouverneur. There will be a graveside service on Friday, July 7th at 11:00 a.m. at Riverside Cemetery with Rev. Beth Quick officiating. Condolences may be shared at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com. Francis was born on March 30, 1937 to the late Margaret (Briggs) Meyers. He attended Gouverneur School and was raised by Ralph and Olive Pratt in Hailesboro. In 1955, he entered into the United States Airforce and served until his honorable discharge in 1959. Francis married Denelda Fuller on March 25, 1960 at the Gouverneur United Methodist Church with Rev. Stanley Brown officiating. He worked as a truck driver for Potters Industries in Potsdam. He had previously worked at Kraft Foods, St. Lawrence County and McCallister's. Francis was a member of the Dads of Foreign War and was a former Volunteer Fireman for the Hermon and Gouverneur Volunteer Fire Departments. He loved camping at Brennan Beach and going on golf cart rides with his dog. Surviving is his wife of 57 years, Denelda; three sons, Earl and Penny Briggs, Eric and Kathryn Briggs and Scott Briggs; a daughter, Coleen Desormeaux and her companion Bill Farr; 7 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. He is predeceased by a granddaughter, Deseray Briggs. Donations may be made in Francis' memory to the Gouverneur Volunteer Fire Department.