William 'Lumpy' Briggs, Jr.
February 7, 1954 ~ August 19, 2007
Rochester: Sunday, August 19, 2007 at age 53. Predeceased by his father, William R. Briggs Sr. & nephew, Harold Strassner III. Survived by his wife, Deborah Briggs; mother, Lorraine Briggs; children, Tammy (Duane) Borman of NC; Kelly Wardman, Adam (Rebecca) Wardman, Lorraine Briggs & Meghan Briggs; grandchildren, Brenden, Victoria & Harrison; brother, Thomas (Sandra) Briggs Sr.; sisters, Barbara (Harold) Strassner & Pamela (Nelson) Motzer; father and mother-in-law, L. Robert (Charleen) Williams; grandparents, Charles (Elizabeth) Austin; brothers-in law; Robert (Janet) Williams, Sean (Christine) Williams, Eric (Pamela) Williams; several nieces,nephews and cousins; many friends. Bill was an avid hunter and outdoorsman.
Friends may call Wednesday 4-7 P.M. at the Vay-Schleich & Meeson Funeral Home, 1075 Long Pond Road. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated, Thursday 9:30 A.M. at Holy Cross Church, 4492 Lake Avenue. Interment will be held Saturday 9:30 A.M. in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery (Please meet the family at the Dewey Avenue Gate of the Cemetery). In lieu of flowers, those wishing may make contributions to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Golisano Children's Hospital, 601 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester NY 14642 in his memory.
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Adam, Your Dad told me he regreted that he could not make it to your wedding day. He was so proud that you had asked him to be your best man. He really loved you. I think your Dad did a fine job raising you and your sisters. He knows you will take care of them and your mother. I love you, Adam. Aunt Barbara
At every family function, I always looked forward to seeing Lumpy. When there was a wedding, I would approach the church and when I saw him I could feel a smile come across my face. I love hearing the stories that my mom and grandma have told about the cousins growing up together. I wish we had more opportunities to spend time together, but life is never long enough for those we love. There was something special about Lumpy’s heart that beneath that fun-loving guy, he had a gentle kindness and was a special person.
Life is so precious and we don’t often understand why things happen the way they do, but we need to trust in Him who created each one of us. He knows the beginning and the end and is with us in between. May the Lord comfort each person who knew Lumpy, especially Aunt Lorraine, Debbie, his brother and sisters and his lovely children (who have grown up so fast). There are so many cousins who loved him too.
It is so hard to look forward when someone you love is no longer by your side, but there are so many memories yet to make. Each day we have and each breath we have is a gift from God. Each of us is not alone. The Lord tells us in the Bible, in the Book of 1st Peter, Chapter 5, Verse 7 that we are to cast all of our cares onto Him because He cares for us.
When we learned the end for Lumpy was near, our daughters (ages 3 1/2 & 5) prayed each night for cousin Lumpy and his family. Their words were so simple, but so sincere. They asked for comfort, peace, strength and trust in God for Lumpy and his family.
May we cherish each moment with those we love, reach out to those who need us, and be comforted in our grief remembering the times we had together and know each of us has a purpose here on earth.
Many hugs, lots of love and prayers.
– Tammy & Family
aunt deb i give you the most respect for having such great strength in time of grief and there’s not a minute that goes by that i don’t think of you i think many of us have grown together so much in these past few days and i think that uncle Lumpy is proud to have such a strong family that holds eachother together in time of need we are all there for you and the kids we love you guys so much and just want to be there for you and show our support in your time of need thank you for taking such good care of uncle Lump during his last days and i’m sure not a time went by that he didn’t feel the love that we all shared for him
my best wishes and all my LOVE
Bill, you are surely going to be missed but not forgotten . You were the one person that everyone could count on when the need arose. I could always tell people that you had my back without question. Like I said you are going to be missed but never forgotten.
Dear Debbie and family and Aunt Lorraine:
Please know that we are praying comfort and strength for you and that you are in our thoughts. We always admired Lumpy’s down to earth approach to life and he will be missed. I will always remember and laugh at the memory of him coming to my moms wake with the deer strapped to the vehicle. It was so funny and so typical Lumpy.
Love, Wendy Stephen and Amanda
Dear Debbie and Family;
In memory of ‘Lumpy’
Who was always one of my favorites, I say to all of you … He will always be in my heart as I know he will be in yours. My love and prayers go out to all of you.
Love Aunt Izzy
Deb & Aunt Lorraine
My thoughts and prayers are with you and the rest of the family and friends.
Cousin Lumpy was the person who was always there for me and my brothers growing up.
He will truely be missed but not forgotten. I will always have the memories of the times we shared and his great sense of humor.
Deb— Our deepest sympthy to your family, Lumpy as always brought a smile to who ever he was around and he was a wonderful person he will be miss.
Our Prayers are with you and your family.
From Uncle Ozzie (Briggs) Aunt Eddie
Anna, Flora, Chris, Alva, John, Kenney,
Mike, Wilfredo.
Deb, I am praying that you and your family stay strong throughout this time. I wish there was something I could say to make it easier, but I know there isn’t. All I can do is pray, and hope that God will give you peace.
Deb, I am so sorry for your loss. I wish that we had the chance to get together before lumpy’s passing. Please know that my prayers will be with you and your family at this hard time and always.
Deb, my heart goes out to you and your family during this difficult time; My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Deb, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Stay strong, as I know you will.
Love,
Terry
Deb, we are so glad here that Bill made it through the graduation party. It was a pleasure getting to know you and your family. you are truly blessed. I wish we could have done more….I will be thinking of you and praying for you….
Patty(staff @ interlakes oncology)
Deb,
You and your family are in our prayers, as they have been for months. Bill isn’t suffering any more, now you can begin healing.
Love and Hugs,
Amy and Joe
Debbie and family, I am so sorry to hear about Lumpy’s passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to you all at this difficulty time. My God Bless you all.
Love, Nancy
Debbie and Family,
Please know that you are today and always will be in our prayers. I know we have formed a special bond in the last few months Debbie and please know that this hurts me very deeply. I owe you a great big hug when I see you.
Love,
Scott & Barb Horr
Debbie and kids,
The first entry I made was more toward Lumpy, dont know why, I felt I needed to talk to him…
But my heart goes out to you all also, he loved you all so much, he would tell he how lucky he was to have you all, and how lucky he was to have found you Debbie, blessing him with the children you did and always standing by his side…
Although this will not bring him back, I share some comfort in knowing how loved he was by all who met him, and how you all supported, cared and loved him till the very end…
If there is anything Mike and I can do let me know, I know he would want us to be there for you…We love you guys, and we take with us the memories, love and laughter he brought into our lives, as only Lumpy could….
Debbie, I am so very proud of your strength the past year. You did a wonderful job taking care of Bill right up to the end as you promised him. He knew the love of his family right up to the minute he left. He loved you very much. I am sorry that you had to lose him at such a young age. My heart is with you every moment of the day. You see I tend to bury my sorrow in my work. There is nothing I wouldn’t have done for Bill. I love my brothers and sister very much. When I was young I always felt that I was the big sister that had to take care of them for my mother. When we were young I remember making pot holders and sending Bill and Pam out to sell them. You see I knew how to run a business back then and boy were they good at selling those pot holders. They sold them faster than I could make them. Bill, Pam and I lived at Genesee Valley Pool all summer and eventually Tom was old enough to go once in a while. We shared lots of memories of those days and of all our friends. When we weren’t at the pool we would play baseball, football, basketball with our neighborhood friends. Bill used to beg me to go to West High School to play baseball because I could play good. I’m sure it was only because they needed another person to play. It was because of him I met Cork, my husband, the love of my life. We had lots of fun as children. I will miss Bill and all the stories of the biggest fish he caught, his hunting , and of his family and friends. Barbara
Everyone is in my prayers and I am so sorry!
For Tammy and Lorraine … and the
entire Briggs Clan .
It has been many years since I saw Lumpy and his family .. but it goes way back to when we were all CB’ers .. and kinda claimed Channel 2 as ‘ OURS ‘.
I have been reading this all week .. and still find it hard to believe that someone as vital and happy .. is really gone away .
He was always the life of the picnics we had and the many times we all had together ! Tammy was just a baby back then .. but he was always a loving dad ..
so I wasn’t surprised to find that he continued that family trait . You were all so blessed to have him in your lives .. as we , his CB family , were ! I thought there would be others that would sign the book ..
and then I wasn’t sure if I should either ..
but .. I wanted to let his family know that after all those years .. I have never forgotten him . I know he was laid to rest this morning .. and this may be the last time I would have this chance to
leave my condolences to his family . I lost touch with the entire group .. but I can bet that ‘ Hostess ‘ , ‘ The Pope ‘ and ‘ Jo-Jo’ were also on hand to greet him again ! I don’t know why the others didn’t sign the book .. but I felt like I really should . Tammy .. your dad was special to all of us .. and Lorraine .. I remember the way it was so hectic at hunting times .. yup .. every Thanksgiving morning .. they were out there .. they would share the venison ..
but you were the only one that could fix it so it was so tasty At one point .. we were gifted with deerskin moccassins ! I wore mine until they literally fell apart ! That always brings a smile to my face .. even now ! Those were good .. and special times . Debbie .. I never knew you and the kids that became Tammy’s
siblings .. but I can surely see that he was one very happy man ! He was such a family man .. and loved them all fiercely .. and protectively .. as I’m sure you found to be true . I am so sorry for
all the pain you’ve all had to endure this past week ..
but I bet not one of you would have wanted to miss out having had him in your lives ! The memories never fade .. or go away .. just hold tightly to them ..
and each other .. and know that somehow .. he is looking down on all of you .. with so much love .. and pride !
Yes .. you do get to keep the love !
As for Lumpy .. Godspeed , my friend , and thank you for the wonderful times .
Love ,
Ellen & Milt Dodson
AKA Fussy and Meat Hauler
God bless Bill and his family
God Bless you all, You are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers
Hey Lumpy,
I know we didn’t hang out very much,but I will always remember when you tried to teach me how to Hunt! You took me with you into the woods and put me where I should be to see deer. I never did see deer on those trips,except the deer I saw in the back of the truck from you! I will miss you.
Sonny
I am so so for your lose and you all are in my prayers.
I am so very sorry for all of your loss there are no words to sum up what has happened. he will live in your hearts forever and with every story told he will be by your side.
I am sorry for you and your family’s loss.
I am truly sorry that I did not get to know Bill better. The only comfort I can give his wonderful family is that he has moved on to a better place, and that his suffering has ended.
I look over the years and I see family. A family of six a mom,dad,sister,brother and myself and a brother. We lost our father and now we lost our brother. My brother leaves his family behind, a family that will miss him very much.his family took good care of him right to the end. My brother touches everybodys hearts over the years family and friends.If there was a person that could tell you a story he could. If you need something and he had it he would give to you. You needed help or just wanted to talk he was there. I will miss my brother everydayof my life. Gods Speed. Your memories will always live on. LOVE YOU LUMPY!!! Love your Sister Pam
I will miss everything about you Lumpy, your stories, seeing you out at Donna and Brians, but most importantly your laughter, I will miss you greatly Lumpy, I am sorry I couldnt bring myself to say anything to you at the party, maybe I thought if I didnt acknowledge it, then it wouldnt happen. I am still having a hard time with this, I am sorry to say, I just dont want to believe i., I can honestly say I truly had fond memories of and always will…..You may not be with us in the here and now, but you remain forever in our hearts.
We love you Lumpy and you will truly be missed
It is always hard when a family member passes away. Lumpy will be greatly missed especially at family gatherings because he was always the life of the party. Now I know he is with his father, uncle froggy, Uncle chuck and the rest talking their ears off. I will miss him always….
Kelly – We are so very sorry to hear about your Dad. He was so young and I am sure he will be greatly missed. You know we have been through this and understand the loss you must feel. Even though he is gone, no one can ever take away what is in your heart. Love always, Kathy and Sharon
Kelly, My heart goes out to you and your family. Kiss and hug your mom and I will see you soon.
Markie.
Kelly, We will never forget Bill. He always had a smile to give. So my dear we give you one from our family. He was one of the greatest men we have had the pleasure to know. With sincere condolences The Serafini Family
Kelly, Your dad was so proud of you and loved you very much. You were there any time he needed you. You have taken on alot of responsibily this past year to care for him, your mother, Lorraine and Meghan. I am sorry. I love you Kelly and I am also very proud of you! Love, Aunt Barbara
Lorraine, Your Dad was so proud of you on your graduation day. He bragged about you going to college. So, you go to college on Friday and enjoy the new future you have ahead of you. He would want this for you. If you need anything while at school rembermber that Uncle Cork will be there for you if you. Love, Aunt Barbara
Love and prayers to all.
Lumpy,
You will be missed and always will remain in thoughts and prayers.
Meghan, Your Dad loved going hunting with you. I am sure you will have many fond memories of the time you shared. Now you will have to step up and tell us your hunting stories. You and Lorraine did a good job taking care of your Dad while Mom was at work. Aunt Barbara
Memories are something that can never be destoyed, ruined or taken away. They play like movies in our minds & hearts, so that we can still smile, laugh & share all of the joy. I remember uncle Lumpy when I was little, he would always bring that joy & laughter into any room that he walked into. May God bless you & keep you as Lumpy smiles down upon all of you still. Love, Kim, Amanda & Derek.
Mother, I am so very sorry that you had to suffer the loss of a son. I know how heart breaking this is. But, I remember how you helped me to learn how to handle this loss. It doesn’t seem right that a mother should live longer than her child, but there is a reason for this to happen. Maybe it is to make us stronger to help others around us. I am also, heart-broken at the loss of Lump. He was always the one to share his stories and give us laughter over them. He was so well liked by everyone that met him. You and Dad did a fine job raising all of us. Love, Barbara Ann
My deepest memery of uncle Lumpy is his big beard. boy was his face filled with hair. And i was so affaird to go near him. I regret that i didn’t hug him more.but i am glad that i got a big one at lorraine’s party.—I know that you would do anything,I mean anything for anybody espeacially Tammy,Kelly,Lorraine,Meghan,Adam,anut deeby.Miss ya Vanessa,xoxoxoxoxoxoxxoxoxoxoxoxox
My prayers to Lumpy and all the Briggs family.We go way back and his always smile will be missed.
Bobby Leschander
My Son, I put a message on here last night just after midnight. I know after all you went thought that at least you are with your Dad and can only think of what you have been talking about. Dad I finally got the drive the big rigs like you did. But it got cut short. It was such a long wait son and I am proud of seeing you behind the wheel and driving safe. You make me proud.
You were always there son when I needed you in a hurry.When something happened and I couldn’t deal with it. A part of me died with you. But I am so glad that you had a peaceful end to a hard road of pain.
My son, I will miss you forever and ever. God will take care of you now and the family also. They have been very strong and I am so proud of them and all they did for you. Thanks Deb , It was and is a hard road for you. God bless you and the kids. As Lump called me Ma.
lorraine briggs (rochester, NY)
My son, we said a goodbye for just a while. We are shedding tears for our lost of you. but so happy that you are out of pain. God keep you in his hands and now you are with your Dad who you loved so much. Will see you one day. Till then I will love you forever and ever. Ma as you would say.
Lorraine Briggs (Rochester, NY)
My warmest and deepest sympathy to you all for your loss. You are all in my heart, thoughts, and prayers. Much love and ‘ginormous’ hugs from me and Keller.
One of my favorite memories of Lumpy is when we were at Aunt Lorraines, for some family gathering. My husband Scott was still uncomfortable with our family, in that he was a quiet guyand having come from a small family that was very close, our gatherings could be quite intimidating. It always blessed me how Lumpy would talk ‘guy’ talk with Scott, and help him to feel more at home. Lumpy had a gift of making any one feel welcome.
Our deepest sympohy to all of Lumpy’s family our prayers are with you.
ed, donna and debbie rafter
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time.
So sorry for your loss
Tammy, I am sorry that we were not able to get you back home this weekend. Your Dad understood that you live out of the area and could not be there. He would want you to remember the good times. He was proud to be a grandfather of Brendon, Victoria, and Harrison. You gave him a wonderful gift by letting him share time with Brendon the past 2 summers. He really enjoyed having him home both summers. Aunt Barbara
Thank you all for taking care of my dad when I couldn’t be there with him. I wished I could have been there with as he passed and I can only now look to when I get to see him again. I will miss him dearly. I love you dad and will miss all your hunting stories.
There are so many good memories, where do we start? Hunting , camping sundays at moms.
Our hearts are hurting to bad right now to be able to even write this. You know whats in our thoughts. We love you and will see you again some day.
LOve ya. Tom and Sandy
To Kelly and the rest of the family, Your dad/husband was a great man. I wish I could have got to know him better. May he rest in peace.
Uncle Lump you will be missed greatly!
Uncle Lumpy only brought fond memories to all of us something you can never forget. Even though he is not here with us in person he will always be in our hearts and thoughts. I will always have ‘Lumpy the Penguin’ in my heart and soul. As much time that I spent at his and Aunt Debbie’s house growing up those memories will last a lifetime. I love and miss you Uncle Lumpy. And Best wishes and prayers to you Aunt Debbie,Tammy,Kelly,Adam,Lorraine, Meghan, Grandma Briggs, Aunt Barb,Uncle Tom,Mom, & the rest of our big gang.
Uncle lumpy, you will be greatly missed! You are a very special person and I love you very much.
Aunt debbie, kelly, adam, lorraine, megan, and tammy, you all are in my thoughts and prayers! Love you all!!
Love, sabrina
We are sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. Kelly you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Steve and Shannon Burnham
585-720-0897
Wed. Aug. 22, 2007
Dear Deb and Family,
I wish to extend my heartfelt sympathy during this time of grief. My prayers are with you all and hopefully you will all remember the good family times spent together.
I will think of Bill (and all of you) while working in my garlic patch knowing that he enjoyed using it when he cooked. Hopefully it enhanced his meals.
Please call on me and Amy if there is anything we can do for you.
Sincerely,
Joe ‘The Garlic Guy’