Gary Lewis Briggs

Gary Lewis Briggs, 73, of East Harwich, MA, passed away July 18, 2024, at Maplewood at Brewster after a courageous multi-year battle with dementia. He was born on February 10, 1951, to Donald "Grant" and Dewave Briggs in Johnson City, NY. Gary was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, and-his favorite title- PopPop. He is a graduate of Johnson City High School and attended Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY. It's at Hartwick where he played basketball, ran track, served as President of both the All-Greek Council and his fraternity, and met his wife of 48 years Anne (Galavotti) Briggs. He went on to pursue a graduate degree from the Stonier Graduate School of Banking. Gary started his career at Household Finance and joined Westbank in 1979 where he became Executive Vice President of Lending for 28 years. Gary's ability to motivate and inspire a team of senior lenders was the primary driver that grew a small community bank into a billion-dollar enterprise. A recognized leader in the banking industry, Gary ended his career as a Senior Vice President at the First National Bank of Suffield.

Gary's true passion was golf. He was a devoted student of the game and spent countless hours on the golf course with family, friends, and colleagues, proudly racking up two hole in-ones. Those that really knew him appreciated his competitiveness and pursuit for excellence in work and play. Golf was a perfect outlet and lifetime passion where he could push himself to be his finest, while remaining ironically humble when playing his best. Gary's love for sports did not end with golf. He was a devoted New York Yankees, Giants, and Rangers fan, always cheering on his teams with enthusiasm.

Gary was very sociable and charming. He would greet you with a warm smile or a friendly hello and could always find a connection to ease those around him and bond on a deeply personal level. He had a remarkable knack for sharing stories about almost any subject, with tales that were uniquely relatable and often inspiring to those listening. Gary was most proud of his family and always delighted in sharing their accomplishments and news with others.

Gary and Anne chose Wilbraham, MA to raise their family and ultimately retired in Harwich, MA in Cape Cod and as snowbirds in Lakewood Ranch, FL. In retirement, Gary loved to golf, travel, walk his dog, take in a Cape Cod baseball league game or a show, bike rides, sharing a nice meal, kayaking, spending time at the beach, listening to music, and enjoying his family and friends. He would always be ready with good cheer and a skinny pirate in a pint glass.

Gary is survived by his wife, Anne, daughter Karen McElroy and husband Sean, son Daniel Briggs and wife Sara, grandchildren Xander and Audrey McElroy and Lucas and Marco Briggs. Gary also leaves behind his brother John Briggs and wife Suzanne and sister Gloria, three nieces, four nephews and many dear friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gary's name to Maplewood Senior Living Heart Foundation, Attention Kristin Hocker, 1 Gorham Island Rd Westport, CT 06880 OR Broadreach Hospice, 1455 Main Street, Chatham, MA 02633.

The family would like to share a special thank you to the many caregivers and staff at Maplewood Senior Living at Brewster and Hospice for their wonderful care and support.

A celebration of Gary's life will be held on August 11th at 11:00am. Please contact the family at "celebrationoflifegarybriggs@gmail.com" for more information.

Family will hold a private burial.

A memorial golf tournament will be held to honor Gary's legacy and to fundraise for the above critical organizations at a future date. Check back at "celebrationoflifegarybriggs.com" for details and to leave your email as the site is developed.