Leroy G. Briggs, 36, of Salem

SALEM, MA — Mr. Leroy G. Briggs, 36, of Salem, died unexpectedly, Thursday, January 19, 2017 at Salem Hospital, surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Born in Lynn, he was the son of Leroy D. Briggs Jr. and Ellen Nixon. Raised in Salem and later Beverly; he attended Witchcraft Heights School in Salem, Brisco Middle School in Beverly, and Beverly High School.

Mr. Briggs held various jobs throughout the Northshore and most recently had been employed at Ken's Kickin' Chicken where he enjoyed preparing food for catering events.

A lifelong resident of the Northshore, with an infectious personality, Leroy made friends easily and loved to make people laugh. He had a big heart with a special place just for his niece Janessa, with whom he enjoyed spending time and loved being a part of her life. Leroy's kindness and generosity to others included his decision to be an organ donor. An avid sportsman, he enjoyed all sports, he was a gifted athlete and excelled in baseball, soccer, football and basketball and was an enthusiastic fan of all Boston sports teams, especially the Patriots. Leroy loved to cook for his family and friends and also enjoyed collecting baseball cards. He was a loving son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend and he will be deeply missed by all who loved him.

Surviving Leroy in addition to his mother and father are his sisters Tara Briggs of Beverly and Alison Briggs of Ipswich, a niece Janessa Briggs of Peabody, several aunts and uncles including Janet Lettich and her husband Mark of Danvers and Richard Kelly and the late Patricia Kelly of Maryland to whom he was especially close, and numerous cousins.

His funeral service will be held in The O'Donnell Funeral Home, 46 Washington Sq., (at Salem Common) Salem on Friday, January 27, 2017 at 12 (Noon). Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours prior to the service from 10 to 12. Burial in Greenlawn Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy may be made in Leroy's memory to Northshore Recovery High School; please make checks payable to Friends of Northshore Education Consortium, 112 Sohier Rd., Beverly, MA 01915 or to Police Assisted Addiction & Recovery Initiative (PAARI) 186 Main St., Suite 25A, Gloucester, MA 01930. To Share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.

Obituary and photo courtesy of the O'Donnell Funeral Service