John Guy Briggs

Lunenburg, VT: John Guy Briggs, aka Big John, died peacefully at Weeks Memorial Hospital in Lancaster, NH, Thursday Evening, June 27, 2024, at the age of 83 following a months’ long decline.

John was born in Bristol, CT, on September 16, 1940, son to the late Frederick Clark and Mildred Irene (Davis) Briggs. He was raised on a small farm in Litchfield and graduated from Litchfield High School in the Class of 1958. John married Sally Lee Pratt in 1961. In 1974, they moved to Vermont where he lived the rest of his life, first residing at Miles Pond and then in Lunenburg. For the last 5 months, John stayed at Country Village Rehab in Lancaster, NH. 

In Connecticut, John worked for a number of years at Associated Springs. After moving to Vermont, he worked at Bridges, Inc. and then began working for himself in construction and contracting. John liked to work; he liked to keep things clean, take care of things, and make things last. He was a New York Yankees fan, an Elvis fan, and a fan of Siamese cats. He liked to cook, bake, and grocery shop. He enjoyed Family Days especially those that included his siblings and all the nieces and nephews and their families. By 6th grade, John was 6 feet tall and was always proud to be “Big John”. On punctuality, his feeling was that if you were not 15 minutes early, you were late.

Survivors include his four children: Michael J. Briggs (Myong Hui) of North Concord, VT, Donald C. Briggs of St. Albans, VT, Lisa M. Briggs (Terry MacPherson) of Monroe, NH, and Thomas C. Briggs (Sandra Lowell) of Waterford, VT; a sister: Marilyn L. Baird (Kevin) of Lunenburg, VT; sister-in-law: Betty Pratt Chouinard; six grandchildren: John Frederick Urie, Michael Alan Briggs, Christopher Robert Briggs, Elizabeth Briggs, Tyler Clark Briggs, (Marah), and Tori C. Briggs; four great grandchildren: Olivia Rose Urie, Eli James Urie, Jazmin Briggs, Ellie Briggs; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife of nearly 63 years: Sally Briggs; his parents: Frederick and Mildred Briggs; brothers: Frederick and Richard Briggs; his son: Anthony J. Briggs; daughter-in-law; Cynthia Myrick Briggs; Sally’s sisters and their husbands; Eleanor & Gene Wilson, Celia & John Belonick, Joan and Raymond Armbuster, Barbara & Albert “Cookie” Cook, Linda Cables and also Betty’s husband, George Chouinard.

Friends may call on the family from 5-7PM, Tuesday evening, July 2, 2024, at the Sayles Funeral Home, 525 Summer Street in St. Johnsbury. A closing service will take place at 7PM for memories and sharing.

Burial will be private at the Riverside Cemetery in East Concord, VT.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.saylesfh.com