Gordon "Gordy" Paul Briggs Jr.

Gordon ‘Gordy’ Paul Briggs, of Potsdam, New York, passed away with his devoted wife, daughter, daughter-in-law, sons, mother, and sisters by his side at Tampa General Hospital on Sunday, June 29, 2025.

Gordon was born in Potsdam on October 5, 1959 to Gordon Paul Briggs Sr. and Claudette Taylor of Norfolk. He graduated from Norwood-Norfolk Central School and the Seaway Area Technology Center for Auto Data Processing in 1978. Shortly after finishing, he began working at Papertronics in Oswego, NY. His work history includes time in South Carolina—where he operated cranes for Limehouse and Son—and later in Florida, where he built houses with his father, Gordon P. Briggs Sr. His final and longest-held position was with Saint Leo University, where he worked for 41 years. He was just one month away from retirement.

Gordon married Colleen Ann Langford of Chase Mills on June 27, 1981, at Saint Mary Catholic Church in Waddington, NY. Recently, they celebrated 44 years of marriage. They often said the key to a lasting relationship was communication and compromise. Together, they shared two children, Gordon (wife, Olivia and son, Gordon IV) of Summerfield, FL and Angella of Brooksville, FL. In 2009, they also became permanent guardians to Dakota and Alexis Arneman. Gordon is survived by his mother, Claudette of Zephyrhills, FL and his sisters, Pearl Whatmore and Barbara Henry. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Gordon P. Briggs Sr. on January 24, 2012 and his sister, Deborah Prisco on July 29, 2020.

Gordon was an active man who loved spending time outdoors—tinkering in the garage, riding his tractor or motorcycle, working on projects, fishing on his boat, or simply being with his family. When indoors, he enjoyed watching westerns, going to the movies, and playing cards or chess. He and his wife visited nearly every U.S. state in their camper. Despite ongoing health challenges, Gordon maintained his sense of humor and positive outlook on life. He was a true inspiration, embodying strength, bravery, and resilience until the very end.

Gordon’s daughter, Angella, described him as:

“The greatest person I’ll ever know. I love him and miss him with every fiber of my being. He did everything for his family and would help anyone. He had a kind soul and could easily put things in perspective, especially during the most trying of times. He helped me become the person I am in ways I can never fully explain. He encouraged me, motivated me, and likewise challenged me. He never let politics or religion stop him from doing what was right—and he followed his heart. He could repair, fix, or build anything—he was our Google and YouTube. It was always important to him to teach us how to do things ourselves and for us to learn—even if it meant we made mistakes. He wanted us to rely on ourselves, believe in our abilities, and grow through experience. He always made sure we knew how much he loved us. He gave the best hugs and forehead kisses, and I’m going to miss him fiercely until I get to see him again. Most definitely a part of me went with him that day. It was an absolute honor and blessing being his daughter.”

Gordon’s son, Gordon the III, described him as:

“The man who taught me how to love by the way he loved our mother, the man who taught me strength through his undeniable work ethic, and the man who taught me what it means to put family first. From the moment I opened my eyes to when my dad closed his, he continually taught me values to live by. He showed me how to be a leader by working hard and bringing out the best in others. His strength in times of adversity inspired me and showed me how to face life's challenges and never accept defeat. He taught me to always be present in the moment. Whether he was cheering from the sidelines at my races and games, offering a shoulder to cry on, or celebrating my achievements, he was always my biggest supporter. He taught me that family is the most important thing. He would help anyone he could, even on his days off. He would force me to help him help others, and at the moment, I dreaded it, but now I understand why. Thank you for making me the strong man I am today. I will miss your guidance, comfort, support, and love. I love you so much for being my best friend, dad, and life guide”.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Tampa General Hospital: Cardiovascular or Transplant Program in honor of Gordon’s memory. https://www.tgh.org/foundation/giving/make-a-gift

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:00pm, Saturday, July 12, 2025 at St. Anthony the Abbot Catholic Church (20428 Cortez Boulevard, Brooksville, FL 34601). A Graveside Service will follow at Brooksville Cemetery (1275 Olmes Road, Brooksville, FL 34601).