Bruce Edward Briggs

Wolcott/Winter Haven

Bruce Edward Briggs, passed away Thursday, January 9, 2025 at Winter Haven Hospital in Florida. 

Bruce was born in Wolcott, New York on September 21, 1934, and was the son of the late Lyman and Mildred (Wise) Briggs.  He attended Wolcott Schools, playing on both the soccer and basketball teams during high school, when he was affectionately referred to as “Juicy Brucey” by his teammates.

Following high school, he managed a grocery store in Wolcott.  He would continue to make his career in the grocery industry, later managing stores in Cortland, Auburn, and East Syracuse before taking on high-level management positions at S. M. Flickinger of Auburn (President), Sysco of Syracuse (Vice President of Operations), U.S. Foods in Tennessee (Divisional President) and finishing his career as a Contract Food Consultant in Michigan. He was always highly regarded by the employees he supervised. Prior to leaving Wolcott, he met and married the greatest love of his life, Julie, and together they enjoyed dancing, traveling, and entertaining.  He also loved to golf and in the early days was an avid bowler.  Upon retirement, he and Julie became snowbirds, but returned to Auburn each summer to spend time with children and grandchildren. A warm summer day would typically find Bruce at the helm of their pontoon boat, giving family members a tour of Owasco Lake, while Julie served up the food and drinks. In his later years, he met and enjoyed the close companionship of Georgiana Garrison.  

He is survived by:  his children, Edward Briggs  (Sandra),  Sharon Cain (Dennis), Susan Morelli (Larry), William Soules, Kathleen Marjinsky, James Soules (Virginia), and R. Daniel Soules (Karol), as well as nine grandchildren – Kristy Wood Squires (Brian), Anthony  Wood (Jennifer), Thomas Turturo (Kristin), David Turturo, James W. Soules (Melissa), MaryLee Soules (Sebastien), Jacob Soules (Amy), Corey Soules (Rebecca), and Conor Soules (Madeline), as well as 13 great-grandchildren and his companion, Georgiana.

He was pre-deceased by his wife, Julie (Stanzak) and his brother, Keith Briggs.  

Friends and family are invited to attend a funeral service on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at the Norton Funeral Home, 5925 New Hartford St., Wolcott, NY.  Burial will be at the Huron Evergreen Cemetery, in the spring at the convenience of the family.  Donations may be made to the Owasco Fire Department.