Karl L. Briggs

Briggs, Karl L., age 86, of Hingham passed away peacefully after complications of a prolonged illness on January 28, 2016.   

Karl was born in Saxtons River, VT to Karl and Alice (McDonald) Briggs and grew up in Weymouth, graduating from Weymouth High in 1947.  He graduated from Tufts University in 1951.  Karl enlisted in the Army completing Officer’s Candidate School at Fort Sill, OK ultimately achieving the rank of 1st Lieutenant.  He served in the Korean War Conflict in a MASH unit and was stationed briefly in Japan. Karl began his career at the Quincy Mutual Fire Insurance company in 1954. He was elected President in 1975 and subsequently became the Chairman of the Board.  His career spanned a total of 58 years with the Company. He was elected Chairman emeritus in 2004 and retired in 2012.  Karl was a Member and past President of the Board of Governors of the Mutual Fire Insurance Association of New England. He was a passionate supporter of the South Shore YMCA starting as a young camper in 1939 and continuing on to be a member of the board of directors and serving for a time as President.  Karl was selfless and gracious not only to his friends and family but also in the community through his support of numerous charitable organizations on the South Shore.  He was a long time member of the Quincy Neighborhood Club. He served as President, and was a member of the board of directors for many years.  He was a member of the Quincy Kiwanis Club.  Karl enjoyed spending time with family, tending to his garden, and restful times on Pleasant Lake in New London, NH.  He will be greatly missed.

Karl is survived by Ruth (MacArthur) Briggs, loving wife for over 64 years, children Douglas and wife Claudia Sorgi of Hingham, Steven of Norwell, Nancy and husband Bill Reynolds of Scituate, cherished grandchildren Nelson Briggs, Cecilia Briggs and husband James Moran, Colin Briggs, Evan Briggs, Katie Reynolds, Sarah Reynolds, and John Reynolds.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visiting hours on Monday 4-8 PM in the Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St. (off Central St.), HINGHAM. A funeral service will be held in St. John the Evangelist Episcopal Church, 172 Main Street, Hingham, Tuesday, February 2 at 11 AM. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the South Shore YMCA, 91 Longwater Circle, Ste. 100, Norwell, MA 02061 or visit the website at give.ssymca.org/karl-briggs.