Brian Francis Diggins

Mr. Brian Francis Diggins, 76, of Raleigh, formerly of Cary, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family, Saturday, April 10, 2021.

Brian was born on June 2, 1944, in Greenfield, Massachusetts, the son of William T. Diggins and Ruth L. Benson. He was educated in the Greenfield public schools and graduated from Greenfield High School in 1962. He attended North Eastern Lincoln College prior to enlisting in the United States Air Force. While in the Air Force, he was stationed in California, Massachusetts, Colorado, and completed a tour of duty in

Vietnam 1966-1967. On July 9, 1966, Brian married his high school sweetheart, Candace Minott, in Greenfield, MA. Upon discharge, he went on to receive a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Massachusetts.

Brian began his civil engineering career at the Northfield Mountain Hydroelectric project in Northfield, Massachusetts. His career continued at various hydroelectric, pharmaceutical, and nuclear projects on the east coast and Puerto Rico with J.A. Jones and Fluor Corporation. Brian ended his career with the Army Corp of Engineers at Pope Air Force Base and Fort Bragg in North Carolina.

Brian had a passion for vintage Chevy trucks and cars and traveling with Candy in their RV throughout the United States including several memorable trips to Alaska. His greatest passion was sharing laughter and life experiences with family and friends.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Candy; his nephews, John Mulligan of Georgia and William Mulligan of North Carolina; nieces, Wendy Lynde of Vermont and Vicky Jelley of Massachusetts; along with numerous extended family and friends.

In addition to his parents, Brian was preceded in death by their son, Joseph (Joe) Benson Diggins; his sister, Sharon L. Mulligan; and niece, Alisha M. Mulligan.

Due to Covid restrictions, a private memorial celebration of Brian’s life and burial will be held at a later date in his hometown of Greenfield, Massachusetts.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Brian’s memory to a veterans charity of your choice or the American Cancer Society.