Francis John Briggs

Francis “Frank” J. Briggs, 81, Northfield, NH died Monday, February 19, 2018 at home surrounded by his loving family. Born April 5, 1936, in Providence, RI he was the son of the late Charles F. Briggs and Catherine (McCarron) Briggs. Survived by the love of his life, his wife of 61 years, Susan (Denicourt) Briggs, he was the proud father of six children, C. Ronald Briggs and wife Jayleen of Indiana. Lori (Briggs) Orsini and husband David of Loudon, Thomas Briggs of Northfield, John Briggs and wife Pamela of Concord, Susan (Briggs) Ricard and husband Robert of Northfield, and his late son James Briggs. Also survived by his sister Catherine (Briggs) Miller of Warwick, RI, and several wonderful nieces and nephews.

Frank was the proud Poppa and Great-Poppa to 35 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren:

Haley (Briggs) Roesch and daughters Ella and Laila, Ashely (Briggs) Monroe and husband Shan, daughter Norah and son Briggs, Emily (Briggs) Arnold and husband Drew, daughter Claire and baby due in September 2018.

Darcie (Orsini) Crete and husband Thomas, sons Tommy and Mason, David Orsini and daughters, Breanna, Mikayla, Katelyn and Sophia, Breanne (Orsini) Mullen and husband Michael, sons Zachary, Michael and Jason, Alexander Orsini and wife Kimberly. Bobbi Jo Briggs, Rosemary (Briggs) Cook and husband Jason, daughter Lexi and son Rhylie, Amanda Briggs and daughters Patrice, Mariah and son Daniel. John Briggs II and his wife Robyn and baby due in June 2018, Colton Briggs, Brittney Briggs and daughter Madison. Amy (Ricard) Makris and husband Nicholas, son Nicholas and daughter Ava, Meagan (Ricard) Belanger and husband Joshua, daughters Vienna and Londynn, Robert Ricard III, Julia Ricard. Brandon Briggs and daughters Gabriella and Alice, Alissa (Briggs) Vos and husband Justin, daughter Eleyna, Tasha (Briggs) Riley and husband John, Bryan Briggs. His three angels Nathan, Mariah and Alexis.

Frank started in the transportation industry in 1959 as a dispatcher for Interstate Motor Freight. During the course of his distinguished career he rose through the ranks to the Executive level directing both sales and operations for several national freight carriers, including Interstate Motor Freight, Eastern Express and Hemingway Transportation. In 1978 he purchased Willey’s Express and relocated the company to Concord, NH and grew the business through the period of deregulation from a NH carrier to a New England regional carrier and in 1980 established WEX Enterpirses. Frank enjoyed his many years in the trucking industry and was still currently active as a semi-retired agent for Landstar. He was very proud of his almost 60 year career in the transportation industry!

Frank enjoyed spending every moment he could with his family. Nana and Poppa’s house hosted holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, family parties, cookouts, pool parties, and many sleepovers. Frank treated everyone like family and all were always welcome in his home. Time was always spent laughing and sharing stories. Frank was a member of several organizations including The Knights of Columbus where he was a 4th degree knight.

Calling hours will be Sunday, February 25, 2018 from 2pm-5pm at Bennett Funeral Home, 209 North Main Street, Concord, NH. Mass will be held Monday, February 26, 2018 at 10:30 am at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 180 Loudon Road, Concord, NH. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Concord VNA Hospice.