Senate Resolution No. 4486

BY: Senator AKSHAR

MOURNING the death of Vincent J. Briga,
distinguished citizen and devoted member of his
community

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
citizens of the State of New York whose lifework and civic endeavor
served to enhance the quality of life in their communities and the great
State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Vincent J. Briga of Endicott, New York, died on Friday,
March 30, 2018, at the age of 64; and

WHEREAS, Vincent J. Briga was a lifelong parishioner of St. Anthony
of Padua Church, where he was a proud member and Vice President of the
Holy Name Society; and

WHEREAS, With a steadfast and unwavering commitment to his
community, Vincent J. Briga spent several years volunteering at local
Italian festivals including the St. Anthony's Feast Days and Gusto; he
also spent many years in George W. Johnson Park, organizing concerts and
giving rides to everyone on his famous golf cart; and

WHEREAS, Vincent J. Briga coached countless children in his beloved
community through the years, and enjoyed spending summers at Sertoma
Field; he was also a member of the T.C. Jets and loved nothing more than
watching the Steelers with his son; and

WHEREAS, In addition, he organized the first ever "Mass on the
Grass," where he was honored to see so many people from throughout the
county in attendance and showing their support; and

WHEREAS, Vincent J. Briga valued bringing people together and
sharing old stories on the Don Giovanni radio show; he also enjoyed
celebrating his Italian heritage, both on the show, and in his daily
life; and

WHEREAS, Predeceased by his parents, Vincent and Christine Briga;
and his mother-in-law, Mildred Watkins, Vincent J. Briga is survived by
his wife, Tammy; son, Vincent; brother, Don; father-in-law, George
Watkins Sr. (Gina); sisters-in-law, Patricia Santos (Chuck) and Tonya
Watkins; brother-in-law, George Watkins Jr. (Lisa); five nieces, Silvia,
Bianca, Gabriella, Elise and Julia; and two nephews, Ciano and Shane; he
is also survived by several cousins, including his closest cousins,
Peter Mataloni, George Price, Frank Yanni, and Joseph Mataloni, who he
always viewed as brothers; and

WHEREAS, Armed with a humanistic spirit and imbued with a sense of
compassion, Vincent J. Briga leaves behind a legacy which will long
endure the passage of time and will remain as a comforting memory to all
he served and befriended; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
mourn the death of Vincent J. Briga, distinguished citizen and devoted
member of his community; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Vincent J. Briga.