Charles Earle Briggs, a longtime resident of Norwood died unexpectedly on Saturday, October 5, 2024 at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Needham. He was 85.
Charlie was born October 14th, 1938 in Boston, Massachusetts, the son of William Earle and Mary Margaret (Daley) Briggs. He graduated high school from Tabor Academy and went on to study at Maine Maritime Academy, graduating in 1960. After graduating MMA, Charlie returned and sailed as a watch officer on the school training ship.
Charlie was a dedicated Freemason of 65 years, having joined Hancock Lodge #4 in Castine, Maine while a midshipman at Maine Maritime Academy, and later joined Orient Lodge in his hometown of Norwood, MA. He served in numerous roles over the years, including District Deputy Grand Master of the 4th Masonic District of Maine, Master of Orient Lodge, and Grand Organist for Grand Lodge in Maine. A self taught organist, he most enjoyed traveling throughout Massachusetts and Maine to serve as organist for many Masonic ceremonies. Among the countless accolades for his service, he rose to the level of 3rd degree, an honor bestowed on few Masons.
Charlie had a passion for adventure, as was evident by his countless world trips, ranging from going on an African safari to riding the Orient Express throughout Asia. He had an interest in trains and frequently enjoyed taking cross country trips, sometimes in a private rail car.
An avid lover of music, Charlie was particularly drawn to the theatre organ after seeing the organ at Radio City Music Hall during a Christmas show. He was an active member of the American Theatre Organ Society (ATOS), Eastern Massachusetts Chapter of ATOS, and the Pine Tree Chapter of ATOS. He frequently traveled to organ conventions and concerts around the country, and was well known in the theatre organ community for his ardent support of the instrument; in particular, fostering new talent. As a member, then later President, of the Eastern Massachusetts Chapter, he sponsored an annual “Young Organist Concert” at Babson College on the Chapter’s Wurlitzer Organ. Many organists he invited are now among the top in the field today. In recognition of his decades of tireless support, Charlie was awarded the 2023 “Member of the Year” by the American Theatre Organ Society.
Charlie was the owner/operator of C.A. Briggs, Company, a candy manufacturing firm started by his father. They started out in Cambridge and later moved the operation to Norwood. He moved out of the candy business and for 40 years worked in the trucking and transport industry fir C&D Warehouse Cartage, a company he started and operated with his friend and partner David Mullin.
Visiting hours will be held Friday, october 18th from 6 to 8 pm at the Folsom & May Funeral Home, 85 Nichols Street, Norwood with a Masonic Service by Orient Lodge, AF & AM of Norwood at 7 ‘o clock. A Graveside service will be held Saturday at 10 am at Highland Cemetery on Winter Street in Norwood.
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