Russell Briggs

Russell C. Briggs, 81, of Machesney Park passed away Wednesday, December 28, 2016, in SwedishAmerican Hospital. Born July 25, 1935, in Beloit, WI, the son of Charles F. and Iva D. (Grover) Briggs. Harlem Class of 1955. Married Lori Hagen on June 12, 1954, in Harlem United Methodist Church, Machesney Park. Owned and operated Briggs Flooring for 35 years, retiring in 1998. Member of Riverside Community Church, Blackhawk Field Archers, Harlem Fan’s Club and Harlemites. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. Russell was “Santa’s Helper” entertaining family and friends for more than 35 years. Survivors include his wife, Lori; children, Dawn (Clancy) Horn, Chuck (Mary) Briggs and Scott (Eileen) Briggs; grandchildren, Melanie (Steve) Jenkins, Andrea (Doug) Harkness, Nicole (Kevin) Kehoe, Jill Certosimo, Steven (Julie) Briggs, Sarah (Scott) Barber, and twins, Kelsey Briggs and Alex Briggs; 11 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild on the way; sister, Barbara (James) Wagner; several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his parents; grandson, Matthew Cacioppi; and son-in-law, Phil Cacioppi.

Visitation from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday, January 2, 2017, in Riverside Community Church, 6816 North 2nd Street, Machesney Park. Service at 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 3, in the church. Entombment in Sunset Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established. Arrangements by Delehanty Funeral Home, Ltd., Loves Park.