Jerry R. Briggs, Sr., 68, Retired UPD Police Detective, of Remsen, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 9, 2016 at his home, with his loving family by his side. He was born November 20, 1947, in Plattsburg, the son of the late Wallace and Lucia Trucci Briggs. The family relocated to Mason, Ohio where Jerry graduated from Mason High School, Class of 1966. Upon relocating back to New York, Jerry was appointed to the Utica Police department on August 11, 1975. While on the police force, Jerry received more than 25 commendations and received recognition from many other law enforcement agencies, such as the US Department of Justice, the FBI, the Rome Police Department, and both the Oneida County and Herkimer County District Attorney's offices. During his career with the UPD, he rose to the position of Detective, retiring on September 15, 1995. After retirement, he opened his own private investigation agency, was a confidential investigator for the City of Utica, served for 10 years as the Justice of the Peace for the towns of Cold brook, Poland, and Russia, and most recently, served as School Resource Officer for the Whitesboro High School. While in this position, many of the students respected him and called him their honorary grandfather. An avid hunter and fisherman, Jerry also enjoyed riding his many Harley Davidson motorcycles. Those that knew Jerry, knew his heart was always in Mason, Ohio and at The Historical Loveland Castle & Museum in Loveland, Ohio, which he became part "owner" as one of the Knights of the Golden Trail. This was a place he truly loved and cherished. He is survived by his wife, his best friend, soulmate and love of his life, Lynda, whom he married on May 22, 1982 in Sauquoit; his sister, Joyce (Nick) Papa of Clifton Park, NY; nieces, Lisa (Michael) Munter of Middle Grove, NY, Denise (Brian) Czerpak of Wilton, NY, Angelina (Justin) Beaudry of Peoria, AZ ,Victoria Pietruszka of Philadelphia, PA, and Holly Huff of Limerick, PA; nephews, Nicholas (Alexis) Papa of Marietta, GA, Brandon Hall of Atlanta, GA, and Matthew Huff of Elliott City, MD; great nephews and a niece, Tyler and Jake Munter, Landon Czerpak , Nicholas III and Catherine Papa, and David Beaudry; his in-laws, Renee and John Coppins of Yorkville, NY, Tracey and Joe Pietruszka of Rome, NY and Richard and Stacey Hall of Limerick, PA; and his hunting buddy, Miss Abbi. He also leaves his son, Jerry Briggs, Jr. of Whitesboro, NY; and his daughter, Kristina Altamuro of Utica, NY. Besides his parents, Jerry was predeceased by his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Josephine and Richard Hall. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 10 am at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Utica. Calling hours will be Sunday from 2-5 pm at the Bentz Funeral Service, Inc., 13 Oxford Road, New Hartford. Police honors will be provided by the Utica Police Department. Jerry's family would like to thank many friends and neighbors, especially Teddy Kaczor, Shelly Reinhold, the staff from Hospice & Palliative Care, and aides Diana and Sherree from the St. Luke's Rehab facility, for the support and compassion received throughout his illness. In lieu of flowers, kindly consider donating to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. or the Herkimer County Humane Society. "Yes buddy, I would love to go fishing on the boat and then to the castle with you. We are going to have a party". I love you to the moon and back.