Robert George Briggs

VENICE, FLORIDA -- Robert George Briggs, 77, of Venice, FL, passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve at the home of his daughter Andrea and son-in-law Brian Bartman in Parrish, FL. A Celebration of Life will be held from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, (Jan. 19) at Top of the Lake Restaurant, 301 Lake St., Penn Yan, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tidewell Hospice or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital. Robert was born January 31, 1941 in Dundee, N.Y., and spent most of his life there, moving to sunny Florida after his retirement as a teacher in NY and his wife Nancy's retirement as a self-employed cosmetologist. Robert wore many hats throughout his life. After receiving his degree from SUNY Albany in 1962 he joined the Peace Corps, assisting with rural reconstruction in the Philippines. He then enjoyed a handful of years in Taiwan, overseeing the production of Berkley fishing rods. Upon returning to the U.S., Robert began his 25-year tenure as an English teacher at Penn Yan Academy. For 10 of those years he also maintained a small farm, a passion born from growing up a farmer's son. In addition, Robert served on the Dundee school board for 6 years an...[more]

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hen became village justice. Once in FL, he enjoyed time at Venice Beach and day trips with Nancy. They were also very active in the Venice Gardens Civic Assoc. Robert was a voracious reader and challenged himself daily with the newspaper crossword. He took pride in his family, and delighted in special gatherings and time with his grandchildren. Robert is survived by his daughter, Andrea Bartman (husband Brian), Parrish, Fla.; step-daughter, Kelly Opelt (husband William), North Port, Fla.; grandchildren Lauren, Cameron, and Logan Opelt and Wyatt Bartman, all living nearby in FL. He is also survived by siblings Arling Briggs, Stanley Briggs, Erma Mullins, and David Briggs. He was predeceased by his wife, Nancy and siblings Lawrence Briggs, Sara Hainsworth, Charles Briggs, Harold Briggs, Leon Briggs, Lewis Briggs, and Howard Briggs.