Daniel Briggs Obituary
Married 41 years, he was the loving husband of Lori (Mansfield) Briggs. They were a special couple, inseparable, sharing their passions for the ocean, traveling, cooking, gardening, their home and their cats.
In his younger years, Daniel started out working as a boat builder. He went on to earn his USCG Master of Oceans License, something he was very proud of. His accomplishments included being Captain of private sailing yachts, and years as a well-respected marine surveyor. He taught at the Northeast Maritime Academy and at Tabor Academy's Nautical Science department. Daniel was engaged as an expert witness in various legal, nautical-related cases. Traveling internationally, he was hired for his expertise by individuals looking to purchase both power and sailing vessels for personal use and potential business ventures. He participated in many Newport Bermuda Races and was a volunteer on the Marion Bermuda Race Committee.
Daniel was proud to be a member of the Storm Trysail Club, a private club dedicated to blue water sailing and by invitation only to expert offshore sailors who have experienced storm conditions and are capable of commanding a sailing vessel in such conditions.
He also attended Rhode Island School of Design, receiving a certification as a personal property appraiser.
Daniel was the son of the late Ann (Perkins) and Peter Briggs. In addition to his wife, Lori, he is survived by his sister, Melinda Eaton and her husband Kevin; his sister, Heather Hobler; his mother-in-law, Leona Mansfield; his sister-in-law, Jane Zychowicz; his sister-in-law, Melinda Reed and her husband Peter Reed; and nieces and nephews.
His services were private. In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to one of the following: Mass General Center For Transplantation Sciences: Massachusetts General Hospital, Development Office, 125 Nashua Street, Suite 540, Boston, MA 02114 (giving.massgeneral.org/donate/research-institute); HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center: HopeHealth Hospice & Palliative, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904 (hopehealthco.org/ways-to-give/donatenow/donate-to-hopehealth-hospice-palliative-care); MSPCA: MSPCA-Angell, Attn: Donations, 350 South Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02130 (https://www.mspca.org/donate-now).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
50 County Road P. O. Box 1447, Mattapoisett, MA 02739
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4 Entries
Rick Reynolds
July 10, 2024
Only now did I hear the news about Danny. My heartfelt condolences to the family, especially his sisters Melinda and Heather. We were best of friends many years ago while attending Tabor together. In 1971, he was the best man at my wedding at the Tabor chapel and his mom Ann hosted the reception at their home on Holly Lane. Danny and I both loved sailing and shared many adventures in the 60´s and early 70´s. I could probably write chapters on our exploits together. Most memorable was a sailing trip in Dave Peterson´s Corinthian 19 through Woods Hole to Vineyard Haven and then taking shelter in Hadley Harbor on Naushon Island from the remnants of a hurricane. But that´s a much longer story.
I lost contact with Danny when I left the boatyard and moved to the west coast. Years later I tried to contact him on several occasion when I returned to Mattapoisett for visits, but without success. Something now I will always regret.
Again, my condolences to his wife Lori and the rest of the family.
Rick Reynolds
Matthew Ginsburg
January 17, 2024
I have only just heard of Daniel's passing, but wanted to pass along my heartfelt condolences to his wife and family. I employed Daniel as an expert witness in a defective boat construction case, and then represented him in his efforts to reverse a wrong done to him by his marine survey accrediting entity, which thankfully were successful. I was fortunate to get to know Daniel, to learn of his unique life story, and to spend both tense and light moments (moments with Daniel could hardly ever feel particularly tense) in his inimitable presence. Dan could not be budged from what he knew, or what he believed, regardless of expediency or even his contrary self-interest. As you might imagine, this made him a favorite of jurors, who correctly sensed that what they were hearing from him was the unvarnished truth. A thoughtful, well-read, gruff, but kind man who followed his own compass. I am sad to see him pass.
Best wishes,
Matt Ginsburg
Andy and Donna Anderson
April 27, 2023
Sad to see you go over the horizon shipmate.
Andy and Donna
William Oliver
April 27, 2023
Having lived at 3 North Street every childhood summer I was delighted to meet Mr. Briggs in 2018 while my wife and I were in Mattapoisett.
Knocking on the front door produced a lady who then introduced us to Mr. Briggs. He graciously invited us in and gave us the `tour´ of his home, my old summer home. What a treat!
Upon leaving I asked him, almost by coincidence, if he knew of a childhood friend, Tom Moss. He said he did and took my phone number.
Later that evening I received a call from Tom - Tommy - Moss and was able to physically connect with he and his lovely wife the following day.
From the kindness shown by Mr. Briggs I now communicate with Tom and another childhood friend, Andy Anderson, daily.
What a joy it has been.
And Mr. Briggs courtesy made it possible. What an immeasurable blessing.
My heartfelt thanks to Mr. Dan Briggs and my sincerest sympathy to his loved ones.
Respectfully,
Will Oliver
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