Richard E. "Dick" Briggs

Richard E. “Dick” Briggs, 88, of South Lee, passed away peacefully at his home on April 2nd surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Lee, on May 21st, 1935, to the late Richard Leo and Mae [Decker] Briggs. He grew up in Lee and was a graduate of Lee High School, class of 1953. Following his graduation, he joined the United States Air Force and served his country during the Korean Conflict.
Following his honorable discharge from serving his country, he returned to his hometown where he started his family and worked for the United States Postal Service as a mail carrier. He was appointed Postmaster in 1966 serving in South Lee and West Stockbridge for 30 years. Over the years, he had coached many youth sports teams and was a very active town member representing the village of South Lee. Following his retirement from the USPS, he worked part-time for the Mead Paper mill in South Lee. While enjoying his retirement, he was an avid golfer and member of the Greenock Country Club. He was a true New England sports fan and could often be seen watching a Sox, Pats, or Bruins game. He enjoyed boating on Lake George and often traveling with his family and trips to the Casinos. He was a devoted patriot to his country and supported many local veterans’ groups. He was dedicated to his entire family and being in their presence brought him the most joy, especially spending time with his two grandsons.
Those left to honor him include his loving wife, the former Jeannie Hopkins of Lee whom he married in 1961, recently celebrating their 63rd anniversary; his two sons Tony (Jean) of Lee, and Chris (Lynn) of Laurel, MD; his two adored grandsons Jacob and Jesse (fiancée Samantha Brown) of Lee, MA; his baby sister Marion “Terry” Clark of Tyringham MA; his two brothers-in-law Richard Cody of South Lee and John (MaryJane) Hopkins of Lee, as well as many extended family members and friends. He is predeceased by his sister Ann Bailey and his brothers Edward “Buddy” and John “Moey” Briggs. 
The family is especially thankful to his daughter-in-law Jean and the many other caregivers who provided such exceptional care to him which allowed him to keep his wish of staying in his home until his very end.
A Mass and Celebration of Life will follow at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his memory be made to the South Lee Fire Company or a local VFW in care of Kelly Funeral Home, 3 Main St., Lee, MA 01238.
If you would like to leave a message of condolence or share pictures with the family, please visit our web site at www.kellyfuneralhome.net