NORWICH – Joseph L. Briand, 97, born in Fall River, Massachusetts, went to be with his Savior Jesus on Oct. 22, 2012.
Joe was preceded in death by Louise (Lapham), his wife of 60 years. He is survived by his son Joseph and daughter-in-law Katherine (New Jersey); daughter Noel Briand and her good friend Donna Higgie (Norwich, NY); grandsons John and Kristen Shakeshaft (Churchville, NY) and Christopher and Erin Griffith (Quincy, MA); and great-grandchildren Taylor, Alex and CJ.
Joe and Louise loved the southwest and lived in Colorado when they were first married. They lived in Central Islip, NY, where they raised their children, until Joe retired from the Long Island Railroad as Assistant Treasurer. In retirement they lived in Vermont and Arizona before Joe returned to New York to live with his daughter.
Several years before retiring, Joe learned to ski so that he could ski with his children and enjoyed it so much that he and Louise bought a vacation home in Vermont where they lived initially in retirement. During this time he also learned to ride a motorcycle which he actively enjoyed into his 90s.
In retirement Joe stayed active. In Arizona he joined teams in his community to compete in shuffleboard and billiards, and played tennis, all into his 90s. He went square dancing with Louise, motorcycle riding with his buddies continuing to appreciate the natural wonders of the West.
Joe will be remembered by all who knew him as a kind, caring and gentle man.
The family will hold private interment in Vermont at a later date as Joe desired.
Arrangements are with the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home of Norwich.