David M. Briggs Sr., 76, died May 3rd, 2023, in Fort Myers Beach, Florida, after a lengthy battle with ALS.​​

David was born in Natick, MA on April 16, 1947, ​

to Charles Romeo Briggs of New Bedford, MA and Gunda Lillehagen of Norway. David graduated from Wellesley High School in 1965 and became a union carpenter's apprentice for a short period of time. After serving 4 yrs. as a special purpose equipment mechanic in the Air Force, he joined the Wellesley Fire Department. After 30 years as a firefighter, he retired in 2000 and moved to Alton, NH with his wife Donna. In 2017, he decided to live his dream and traveled the country with Donna in their RV.​​

David is preceded in death by his parents, his first wife Elizabeth Tanous, his brothers Harold O. Briggs and Charles R. Briggs Jr, a nephew Larry Briggs, and a great nephew Charles Briggs.​​

He is survived by his wife of 35 years Donna (Holliday) Briggs; his children: Karyn (Steve) Dorcas of Sudbury, MA, David (Jeana) Briggs Jr. of Chester, MA, Jillian (Douglas) Shaw of Littleton, MA, Jennifer (Brandon) Gallion of Ft. Walton Beach, FL, Geoffrey (Daneena) Scholl of Belgrade, MT. He is also survived by his fourteen grandchildren: Courtney and Stephanie Dorcas; Bow, Boone, Brewtus, and Badger Briggs; Carter and Charlotte Shaw; Brian Hansen, Christopher, and Brenna Gallion; Theodore, Benedict, and Alphonsus Scholl, and many nieces and nephews.​

David always loved a good party, and he requested that a celebration of life be held after his passing instead of a formal funeral. This memorial, as designed by David himself, is meant to emphasize the "celebration" in the Celebration of Life. David did not want his family, friends, and loved ones to mourn his death – rather, to honor his memory and to commemorate a life that profoundly impacted everyone he encountered. The celebration will be held at the Natick VFW, on May 25, 2023 at 6pm. ​

After losing a loved one, it is incredibly comforting to hear how they made an impact while they were alive. Whether through their work, friendships, or otherwise, no memory is too small to ease the grief of loss. We are hoping you will take a moment to share a thought, favorite memory, funny story, or how David left his mark on your life during the celebration.​

Wear your party shoes, bring your koozies, and your memories of David.