Briggs A Doherty Jr, 77 of Rumford Rhode Island, a legacy of the clothing business in Providence for nearly 60 years, passed away Monday July 13th, 2020 after a brief illness. He was the beloved husband of Paula (Dunn) Doherty; they were married for 56 years. Born in Providence, he was a son of the late Briggs A and Phyllis (Dawson) Doherty Sr. Briggs was a lover of life, family and friends and graduated from Cheshire Academy and attended Babson College. Briggs joined the family business, Briggs Ltd, in 1960 and went on to create one of premier clothing stores in the state of RI. His natural wit and charm helped him succeed and build lasting and meaningful relationships with his customers and their families going on to serve two, three and even four generations of clients. His understanding of clothing and haberdashery skills were legendary.
A larger than life fixture on the East Side of Providence and for the past 14 years on the Gold Coast of Chicago, Briggs was known for his dapper style and gregarious personality. He was the loving father of Courtney (Doherty) Wright and her husband Laurence of Winnetka, IL and daughter, Whitney Doherty and her partner Michael J Meyers of NYC and Ghent, NY; and devoted grandfather of Briggs and Robert Wright and brother of the late Dan D. Doherty of the esteemed House of Doherty in Worcester, MA. He also leaves behind many beloved extended family members and friends of Bill W and his steadfast canine companion, Gracie.
As a young man, Briggs completed 6 years of National Guard duty where he didn’t enjoy being made to conform but did learn to make blueberry pancakes, which would serve him well when he would later take his own family camping at WildLife Sanctuary in Maine. Later he was bestowed with the honorary title of Commodores of the State of Rhode Island and served on the board of the Providence Chamber of Commerce. He was a long-standing member of the NY Athletic Club in NYC and a proud member of the CTDA, Custom Tailors and Designers of America. His stores functioned as clubhouses “where ladies and gentlemen would gather” for a cup of coffee and a chance to laugh and catch up. He held court in those stores and people near and far would come for a chance to “shoot the s***” with a retailer who excelled at customer service and brought clothing to light in new ways. He loved people to feel great in their clothes and came to teach many the value of quality over quantity. He enjoyed travelling with Paula, going out to dinner with friends and collecting antiques. His exuberant spirit will be deeply felt and his smile sorely missed.
Due to Covid19, a small family only Private Burial Service will be held at Swan Point Cemetery on Saturday July 18th. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory can be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
and AA GSO
AA GSO
.