VALDESE, N.C. — Chester Briggs passed away April 14, 2025. He was born in his paternal grandparents’ house in New Haven, Vt., on April 23, 1939, the son of Ralph and Kalma (Thompson) Briggs. He was named after his grandfathers, Chester Briggs and Howard Thompson.

Chester grew up on the family farm in New Haven. After graduating from Beeman Academy in 1957, he drove a truck for Jackman Fuels. In 1961, he joined the Army and after boot camp was stationed in Monterrey, Calif. After his honorable discharge, he went to work and retired from Houghton Mifflin in Massachusetts.

Chester loved to travel the country, going to music chows in Branson, Mo., John Deere Conventions and car shows. Mostly, he loved going to square dancing competitions with his long-time friend Jo-Ann Sullivan. In 2021, he moved from Massachusetts to Valdese, N.C., to be near his sister Sharon Mills and her family.

He was predeceased by his parents, brother Robert Briggs Sr., and brothers-in-law Kincaid Merrill, Harold Barrett, Robert Bradshaw and Richard Daniels.

Chester is survived by his sisters, Marguerite Bradshaw of Wilton, N.H., Janet Barrett of Bridport, Vt., Nancy Daniels of New Haven, Vt., and Sharon (Timothy) Mills of Valdese, N.C. He also leaves his nephews and nieces Mark (Ramona) Barrett, Deborah (Gary) Brown, Harold Paul (Charlene) Barrett, Robert (Lisa) Briggs Jr., David Briggs, Chrisopher (Susan) Daniels, Susan (John) Barrett-Dykema, Jason (Dawn) Briggs, Brian (Brooke) Mills and Brandy Mills. He also leaves several cousins, great-nieces and nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews.

The burial ceremony will be held at the Evergreen Cemetery in New Haven, Vt., on June 21 at 11 a.m. Brown McClay Funeral Home in Vergennes is in charge of the arrangements. ◊