John R. “Jack” Briggs, Jr., 71, of Derry, NH died Tuesday, October 14, 2014 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in New York City, NY on March 21, 1943, a son of the late John R. and Mary (McMahon) Briggs. Jack resided in Derry since 1981, formerly living in Simsbury, CT. He attended Fairfield University where he sang in the glee club. It was at a glee club concert that he met wife Marcia. They married in 1967. He enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed at Kincheloe Air Force Base in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. He spent one year in Vietnam writing for the 7th Air Force News. Once back in civilian life, he worked in public relations for the John Hancock Insurance Company in both Boston and Chicago. In 1981 he began working in public relations for Public Service of New Hampshire. Devoted to making a difference, Jack was president of the Derry Chamber of Commerce in 1999 and was named its Citizen of the Year in 2002. The Upper Room, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of children and families, awarded him its Bill Burke Award in 2009. In retirement he and Marcia embarked on a busy schedule of travel, visiting Europe, Asia, and South America. Jack was a faith-filled communicant at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Manchester. With Marcia, his ministries included leadership in Worldwide Marriage Encounter, and preparing engaged couples for the sacrament of marriage, teaching CCD and confirmation classes. Jack lived a rich and full life full of laughter, dancing, and song. Proud grandfather of little 2-year-old John, he was happy to be known as Pepere.
He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Marcia (Houde) Briggs and children Kate Briggs of Somerville, MA and Matt Briggs of Lima, Peru, along with daughter-in-law Taylor (Bolz) Briggs, grandson John, and a granddaughter on the way, and sister Peggy Briggs of Garwood, NJ.
Following cremation, calling hours were held on Tuesday, October 28th from 4 – 8pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 290 Mammoth Rd., Londonderry. A Liturgy of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, October 29th at 11:00am in Ste. Marie Parish, 378 Notre Dame Ave, Manchester. Committal services will be held privately in the NH State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen. With Jack having served on the executive board of The Upper Room, memorial contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to The Upper Room, a Family Resource Center, PO Box 1017, Derry, NH 03038.