Robert S. Briggs Jr.

Bob, as he liked to be called, was born in Bar Harbor on November 20th, 1943, to Robert S. and Margaret (Barnes) Briggs. He was the oldest son of their five children.

He graduated from Portland High School in 1962. Bob married his high school sweetheart, Ruth Tinkham, on June 6th, 1964. They were married for 61 years. Bob served in the U.S. Army from 1966 thru 1968 and was a member of the American Legion for 50 years.

Bob was a proud member of the Portland Fire Department for 28 years, retiring January 31, 2002. He spent his first year at Bramhall Station and then transferred to the City of Portland Fire Boat, Engine 7 where he was known as “Briggsie” or the “Wizard”. Bob also had a lobster boat named the “Ruth Ann” and fished 450 traps on his days off from PFD.

He was an avid hunter along with his son, Bill, his brother Bill, brother-in-law George, nephew Dan, grandson, Kyle and friends, Ben Diaz and Phil Bozenhard. They enjoyed many deer, moose and island hunts together where their motto was “what happens at camp stays at camp!” Nothing could make Bob laugh harder than retelling the hunting stories that didn’t have to stay at camp!

Bob was predeceased by his parents and sister, Evelyn Hamlin. He is survived by his wife, Ruth, daughter, Brenda (Robert) Porter, son William (Deidre) Briggs, grandchildren Morgan (Ryan) Gilbert, Robert (Taylor) Porter, Dylan Porter, Kyle (Christine) Briggs and his great grandchildren Wyatt, Amelia, Cooper and Caden. He leaves behind his sisters Susan Benner, Barbara Potter and brother, William (Gale) Briggs and several nieces and nephews. Bob was a very proud family man.

The family wishes to extend their thanks and gratitude to the employees and volunteers of the Gosnell House for their compassionate care and kindness to Bob and our family.

Should family and friends desire, donations may be made in his memory to Gosnell House 11 Hunnewell Dr. in Scarborough, ME 04074 or to the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland 217 Landing Rd in Westbrook, ME 04092

Visitation will be held at Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St, Portland, Maine 04103, on March 21, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm.

A Memorial Service will be held at Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St, Portland, Maine 04103, on March 21, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm. Followed by a reception with light refreshments.