Obituary of Donald G. Briggs

WESTFIELD - Donald G. Briggs, age 85, of North Gale St., Westfield, died Friday, December 23, 2016 at home following an extended illness. Don was born January 19, 1931 in Jamestown, NY, the son of the late Frank and Gertrude (Fisk) Briggs. He served in the Air Force during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953. Had worked at Ajax as lathe operator and later owned and operated Apache Machine Shop, in Westfield. He played fiddle in the Country Band known as "Rusty Strings" with Lloyd Wright, Lenny Bergeren, and Bill Reid. Don was also a licensed private pilot for years and enjoyed woodworking. Survivors include his sister: Demaris DeNardo of Evans, NY and his former wife and care giver, Joan Briggs of Randolph, NY. He was preceded in death by his son, Donald Peter Briggs, his first wife, Marie (Neder) Briggs, and Infant sisters, Mary and Margaret. At Don's request there will be no services. Private burial will be in Westfield Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Northern Chautauqua Canine Rescue, 7540 North Gale St., Westfield, NY 14787. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the MASON Funeral Home, 37 Clinton St., Westfield, NY 14787. Log on to www.masonfuneral.com to send Don's family a message of sympathy, to light a Memorial Candle or for further information.