Vincent J. Briga, 64, passed away on Good Friday, March 30, 2018, after a battle with cancer. He was predeceased by his parents Vincent and Christine Briga; and his mother-in-law Mildred Watkins. Vince 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); nieces Silvia, Bianca, Gabriella, Elise, Julia; and 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. Vince always loved giving back to his community. He was a lifelong parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua Church, where he was a proud member and Vice President of the Holy Name Society. Vince also spent several years volunteering at local Italian festivals like the St. Anthony’s Feast Days and Gusto. He spent many years in George W. Johnson Park, organizing concerts, and of course, giving rides to everyone on his famous golf cart. One of Vince’s most proud moments was organizing the first ever “Mass on the Grass”. As a proud Catholic, he was honored to see so many people from throughout the county showing their support by attending. If you ever played a sport in Endicott, chances are you had Vince as a coach. He thought of his players as his children, and loved spending summers at Sertoma Field. Vince was also a member of the T.C. Jets and loved nothing more than watching his Steelers with his son. He loved playing his accordion. Vince spent many nights playing to his closest friends on the North Side and loved bringing people together. And who could forget listening to him share old stories on the Don Giovanni radio show? He always enjoyed celebrating his Italian heritage, both on the show, and in his daily life. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff at UHS Wilson Memorial Hospital, especially Debbie Schaffer and Mary Mancini, as well as the dozens of friends who visited Vince during his battle. He was overwhelmed by the love and support that was given to him and his family.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Thursday 10 am at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 306 Odell Avenue, Endicott. Entombment will be in Riverhurst Cemetery, Endicott. The family will receive friends at church Wednesday from 4-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Anthony of Padua Church.