Kevin Merle Briggs

PHOENIX, Ariz. " Kevin Merle Briggs, 51, of Phoenix, Ariz., died unexpectedly Wednesday, July 21, 2010, at his home in Phoenix. Kevin was born Oct. 10, 1958, in Meadville, a son of Merle E. and Lillian M. Smith Briggs. Kevin was a 1976 graduate of Saegertown High School and attended Mercyhurst College. He worked in food service throughout his lifetime and owned and operated his own restaurant, the Dellwood Pickle, in Chicago, Ill. Prior to moving to Chicago, he managed Mattie’s Memory Box in Blooming Valley. Kevin was currently employed by a nationwide food service operating at the Maricopa County Courthouse and for LaCanasta Restaurant, both located in Phoenix. Kevin’s joy in life was cooking, music, artistic endeavors including painting and poetry writing, Facebook, his nieces and nephews and his dogs. He was quite outspoken regarding his political views but believed our right to vote was a very important privilege. Kevin had a strong work ethic and was a conscientious employee. His sense of humor, satirical wit and special laugh will be greatly missed by his family. He was a loving, giving son, brother and friend. Survivors include his mother of Blooming Valley; two sisters, Vicki Bradshaw and her husband, William, of Meadville, and Rebecca Abbey and her husband, Joel, of Noblesville, Ind.; a brother, Damien Briggs of Meadville; a foster sister, Patti Lee of Lakeland, Fla.; a special friend, Brad Colman of Phoenix; a brother-in-law, Michael Parello; nephews, Curtis Bradshaw and his wife, Nichole, Adam Bradshaw and his wife, Meggan, Jason Abbey and his wife, Ashley, Brandon Abbey, Travis Abbey, Nate Parello and his fiancee, Jenny Dillinger, and Dan Parello, and nieces, Heather Abbey and Brianna Parello Beary; three great-nieces; a great-nephew; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, including a special cousin, Larry Waid. Kevin was preceded in death by his father; a sister, Linda Lee Briggs Parello; paternal grandparents, Carlton and Mattie Briggs; maternal grandparents, Arthur (Pete) and Edna Smith; and several aunts, uncles and a cousin. Calling hours will be Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. at Blooming Valley United Methodist Church. A memorial service will immediately follow, with the Rev. Beverly Spore, the Rev. Christine Rogan and the Rev. Cindy Schneider officiating. Private burial at Blooming Valley Cemetery will take place in the future. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family in care of Lillian Briggs, 25242 State St., Saegertown, Pa. 16433. Arrangements are under the direction of Roofner-Collins Funeral Home, 544 Chestnut St., Meadville.