Perley J. Briggs

MONTPELIER – Perley J. Briggs, 97, of First Avenue passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 31, 2018 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in White River Junction. Per his wishes he requested that this obituary, written by him, be published three months after his passing.

Born June 17, 1920 in Barre, he was the son of Denison J. and Lilla F. (Smith) Briggs.

Perley attended Williamstown Village Elementary School and graduated from Williamstown High School in 1938. After graduation he attended the Johnson Normal School in Johnson, graduating in 1940 and then the Vermont State School of Agriculture graduating in 1941.

On March 26, 1942 he enlisted in the U.S. Army serving with the 970 ^th Counter Intelligence Corps in Germany during World War II. He was honorably discharged at Fort Devens on March 22, 1946 as a Technical Sergeant.

Upon his return home from the military, Perley was employed by the United States Office of Price Control for a little while before joining the staff at Connecticut General Life Insurance Company in 1946 until 1948 when he became employed as a Department Manager with the Montgomery Ward Department Store in Barre from 1948 to 1949.

On June 30, 1950 he re-enlisted in the U.S. Army as a Counter Intelligence Agent serving in various staff and command assignments in the U.S., Europe, and Korea before being honorably discharged on November 30, 1968 as a Major.

Perley then attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha and received a Bachelor of General Studies Degree in 1969 before returning to Vermont to attend the University of Vermont where he graduated with a master’s Degree in Education in 1983.

Upon his return to Vermont in 1969, he became employed by the State of Vermont, Agency of Transportation and worked there until he retired in 1984 as a Safety Officer.

On October 11, 1984 Perley married Beatrice M. Cruikshank in Montpelier. Following their marriage, they made their home in Montpelier during the summer months and wintered in Florida. Beatrice passed away in November 2011.

His memberships included the former Methodist Episcopal Church in Williamstown; American Legion Post #10 in Barre; Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #10209 in Spring Hill, FL; the Disabled American Veterans in Brooksville, FL; and the Masons, Granite Lodge #35, F&AM in Barre.

In his spare time, Perley enjoyed auto magazines and automobiles-especially old cars, gardening, flowers, and travel.

Survivors include his daughter Polly Briggs Martin (from a previous marriage) and her husband, Richard of London, UK as well as two granddaughters Katie and Tracey; four great-grandchildren also of London; and his long-time special friend Sondra Jacques.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife Beatrice Briggs and his half-brother Jason H. Johnson.

A private service will be held at a later date. There are no calling hours.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Vermont Chapter, 300 Cornerstone Drive, Suite 130, Williston, VT 05495, the American Cancer Society, Vermont Chapter, 55 Day Lane, Williston, VT 05495 or to the American Heart Association, 2 Wall Street, Manchester, NH 03101.