In Fond Remembrance of John Briscoe, India 3 (1963-1965)

John Briscoe and Kate Williams, India 3 Reunion in Puerto Rico, January 2013

LAKEVILLE- John A. Briscoe of Lakeville, Ct. died Sunday at his home in Lakeville, Ct. of complications due to a recent stroke and congestive heart failure. John moved with his parents Martha and John Briscoe from Cambridge, Massachusetts and Harvard University to Silent Meadow Farm in Lakeville in 1939, where John learned about dairy farming and a love for the outdoors.

Throughout his life, whether as an undergraduate at Wesleyan, graduate student at Harvard or PhD student at MIT, John was as comfortable splitting wood as reading professional journals. In fact, when John joined the Peace Corps in the early sixties, he taught chicken farming techniques in Bangalore, India only to return several years later as a PhD candidate researching governmental development. During the sixties John also taught in Kenya and was in Kenyatta's home when he was released from prison.

When John returned to the United States and eventually settled in Pennsylvania with his wife Virginia and young sons Mark and Alexander, he became assistant to the president of Bryn Mawr College. But John became very interested in politics and twice ran unsuccessfully for the Pennsylvania State legislature. During this period John became the chief of staff for newly elected Congressman Bob Edgar, and a lifelong collaboration began. Whether in Congress, or head of the National Council of Churches and Common Cause, Bob tapped his friend to be director of development for both organizations.

John was also very proud of his launching of PennServe, Governor Casey's public service initiative in Pennsylvania under Secretary of Labor, Harris Wofford, another lifelong friend.

Until his recent stroke, John's passion was demonstrating a plastics to fuel machine because of his concern over the environment, as well as raising funds for Common Cause. Whew!!!

Most people in the Northwest Corner, however, are used to seeing John in his Carharts, pick-up truck covered in dried manure, charming his way through the streets of Salisbury and Lakeville or digging a garden or ditch on the farm, which he loved.

In the end, John was most proud of his children: Mark, of Santa Cruz, California, Alexander and M.E. of San Francisco and Christian Strine of Lakeville, wonderful daughters-in-law; Jillian and Heather, future son-in-law, Matt and fabulous grandchildren: Asha, Maddie, Ellie and Zev.

John is survived also by his devoted wife, Kate Williams and brother Alden in San Mateo, California. In lieu of flowers, please donate to mediavoicesforchildren.org., where funds will go to the Kenyan Education Fund. Burial will be private, with a celebration of life service to be held after the New Year. Friends of India will post details of the celebration when they become available.

Soem additional photos from last year's 50th reunion trip: