Assembly Resolution No. 957

BY: M. of A. Crouch

MOURNING the death of Robert D. Briggs,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his
community

WHEREAS, There are certain outstanding members of our community who,
through their selfless commitment and dedication, have served to better
the quality of life in our community and have had a measurable positive
impact on the lives of its residents; Robert D. Briggs was one such
individual; and

WHEREAS, It is with great sorrow and deep regret that this
Legislative Body records the passing of Robert D. Briggs, noting the
significance of his purposeful life and accomplishments; and

WHEREAS, Robert D. Briggs of Afton, New York, died on Sunday, July
5, 2020, at the age of 89; and

WHEREAS, Born on October 13, 1930 in Sherman, Pennsylvania, Robert
D. Briggs was the son of Milton and Ida (Conklin) Briggs; and

WHEREAS, Robert D. Briggs began his education in a two-room
schoolhouse in Sherman before moving to Deposit, New York, with his
family at the age of nine; upon graduating from Deposit Central School
in 1947, he attended SUNY Delhi; and

WHEREAS, After moving to Afton in 1961, Robert D. Briggs and his
wife started Bobany Farms, which they successfully operated for 47
years; and

WHEREAS, For more than two decades, under the luminous direction of
this extraordinary couple, Bobany Farms was bestowed with the Dairy of
Distinction Award, a prestigious honor recognizing family farms in New
York State which are maintained to specific standards of performance and
appearance; and

WHEREAS, From 1971 through 1985, Robert D. Briggs was a member of
the board for Afton Central School, serving for many years as its
president; he went on to become the Town of Afton Supervisor for 24
years, and also served as the head of the Chenango County Board of
Supervisors; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, in recognition of his unwavering dedication to
his community, the Afton Town Hall bears his name; and

WHEREAS, An active member of the Afton Sertoma Club, Coventry Milk
Producers Co-op and St. Agnes Catholic Church in Afton, Robert D. Briggs
also gave tirelessly of his time and energies volunteering for both the
Afton Historical Society and the Afton InterChurch food pantry; and

WHEREAS, Robert D. Briggs was the proud recipient of the 2005
Service to Mankind Award by the Sertoma Club, and was recognized as the
Afton Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 2018; and

WHEREAS, A steadfast champion for education, he and his wife
established the Robert and Anne Briggs Family Scholarship for students
graduating from Afton High School; and

WHEREAS, Robert D. Briggs was a man of true integrity and honesty
who lived an immensely beautiful life built on compassion, kindness, and
respect for others; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents; his sister, Phyllis Buck; an
infant son, James; and a daughter-in-law, Margaret Briggs, Robert D.
Briggs is survived by his wife of nearly 68 years, Anne Feehan Briggs;
six children, Elizabeth (Kelly), Michael (Sharlene), Richard, Laurie
(Jessica), William (Candy) and Brian (Tammy); 18 grandchildren; 20
great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild; as well as many family
members, friends and neighbors; and

WHEREAS, Robert D. Briggs' legacy of infinite selflessness and
benevolence will shine on through his family's vivid and happy memories;
his insight and strength will forever serve as a beacon of love and hope
for all who were privileged to have known and loved such an amazing
person; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Robert D. Briggs, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Robert D. Briggs.