John H. Briant, 83, of Old Forge, NY and Goodyear, AZ, formerly of North Syracuse, passed away from natural causes on Tuesday, May 14, at his home.
Born in Throopsville, NY, John resided in Old Forge for the last 34 years. Shortly after graduation from Port Byron High, he enlisted in the USAF, attaining the rate of Staff Sergeant. He was honorably discharged in 1953, and then joined the New York State Police where he served a distinguished 29 year career as a Trooper and BCI Investigator in Troops D & B.
Trooper Briant was cited as a legend maker in the force and in 1970 received the Brummer Award, the Forces highest award, issued for bravery. Upon retirement from the NYSP, he was employed in the security department in a Syracuse bank.
In retirement, John attained a Bachelor of Science Degree and embarked on a new career as a writer and artist. He authored, One Cop’s Story, the beginning of his series of mystery novels featuring the Adirondack Detective, Jason Black, and all his works focused on his beloved Adirondacks.
John also became an accomplished watercolor artist, specializing in landscapes, which View, the arts center of Old Forge, and Old Forge Library have displayed.
He was a member of View, Old Forge Library, American Association of State Troopers, and the Adirondack Chapter of the New York State Retired Troopers.
John was predeceased by his wife Margaret, who was his soulmate and inspiration. urvivors include two sons, John and James of Holyoke, MA, a brother, Dr. David Briant of AZ, sister, Joan D. Ciaccio of Fresno, CA, two step daughters, Deborah (John) O’Rourke and Peggy Powers of Syracuse, a step son Frederick (Joan) Powers, and several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Calling hours are Thursday, May 30 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Dimbleby, Friedel, Williams & Edmunds Funeral Home, 128 Fern Avenue, Old Forge.
A service will be held at the funeral home on Friday, May 31 at 10 a.m., followed by internment at Riverview Cemetery, Outlook Terrace, Old Forge. A reception will follow at the Old Mill Restaurant, Route 28, Old Forge.
Donations can be made in John’s memory to the Old Forge Library, P.O. Box 128, Old Forge, NY 13420.
For online expressions of sympathy please go to www.dfwefh.com.
