Charles Ackerly Briggs, Sr.
August 1, 1926 ~ November 4, 2015
Charles Ackerly Briggs Sr. of Brookside Lane in Vienna, VA passed away in his home while surrounded by loving family on November 4th, 2015.
He was born on August 1, 1926 in Erie, PA to Robert and Edith (Ackerly) Briggs. He served as a Corporal for two years in the US Army during WWII. He attended Wesleyan University and was an active member of the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity. He married Catherine (Murphy) on April 22, 1950. In September of 1952 he was employed by the Central Intelligence Agency and over the course of the following 34 years he climbed the governmental service ladder from a Junior Officer Trainee to the top position of the CIA Executive Director. He served his country in administrative roles in all four divisions within the Agency, including postings as Inspector General, Comptroller, Director of Services Staff, Congressional Liaison and Executive Director. His participation in the US Government's Senior Seminar in 1970 was a highlight of his life. He holds the unique distinction (in June of 1983) while serving as the Executive Director, of being briefly designated as the Acting Director of Intelligence (DCI) and Acting Deputy Director (DDCI), serving in all 3 positions simultaneously. He was awarded the Distinguished Intelligence Medal in honor of his service and accomplishments.
After retiring in 1986, he was called back in to serve the intelligence community as a private contractor with a combined total of 60 years. A notable contribution was serving as liaison for the creation of the Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas, TX dedicated to the JFK Assassination.
He served five years as Chairman of the Board for the Central Intelligence Retirement Association (CIRA) and also four years as Chairman of the Board for the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO). In 1999 he was awarded the distinguished David Atlee Philips Founder's Award by AFIO for sustained and exceptional contributions.
He also served the local Vienna community as PTA President at Madison High School and was active with his children in numerous local sports leagues and organizations.
He was preceded in death by his wife Caty in 2008 and is survived by three brothers: Bob Briggs, David Briggs and Larry Briggs, all of Erie PA. He was the loving father of nine children who survive him: Cath, Carrie, Steve, Deb, Pam, Mike Charley, Sarah and Martha. He was the beloved Bompa of 20 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren and Uncle Chuck to 11 nieces and nephews with an additional 29 grand nieces and nephews.
He was a true "leader of the band," bringing music into the lives of his family and inspiring all to appreciate the printed word. He will be missed.
Visitation and viewing services will be held at Money and King Funeral Home in Vienna VA on Sunday November 8th from 4pm to 7pm.
Memorial Service and Life Celebration will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax at 2pm on Monday November 9th.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
He was born on August 1, 1926 in Erie, PA to Robert and Edith (Ackerly) Briggs. He served as a Corporal for two years in the US Army during WWII. He attended Wesleyan University and was an active member of the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity. He married Catherine (Murphy) on April 22, 1950. In September of 1952 he was employed by the Central Intelligence Agency and over the course of the following 34 years he climbed the governmental service ladder from a Junior Officer Trainee to the top position of the CIA Executive Director. He served his country in administrative roles in all four divisions within the Agency, including postings as Inspector General, Comptroller, Director of Services Staff, Congressional Liaison and Executive Director. His participation in the US Government's Senior Seminar in 1970 was a highlight of his life. He holds the unique distinction (in June of 1983) while serving as the Executive Director, of being briefly designated as the Acting Director of Intelligence (DCI) and Acting Deputy Director (DDCI), serving in all 3 positions simultaneously. He was awarded the Distinguished Intelligence Medal in honor of his service and accomplishments.
After retiring in 1986, he was called back in to serve the intelligence community as a private contractor with a combined total of 60 years. A notable contribution was serving as liaison for the creation of the Sixth Floor Museum in Dallas, TX dedicated to the JFK Assassination.
He served five years as Chairman of the Board for the Central Intelligence Retirement Association (CIRA) and also four years as Chairman of the Board for the Association of Former Intelligence Officers (AFIO). In 1999 he was awarded the distinguished David Atlee Philips Founder's Award by AFIO for sustained and exceptional contributions.
He also served the local Vienna community as PTA President at Madison High School and was active with his children in numerous local sports leagues and organizations.
He was preceded in death by his wife Caty in 2008 and is survived by three brothers: Bob Briggs, David Briggs and Larry Briggs, all of Erie PA. He was the loving father of nine children who survive him: Cath, Carrie, Steve, Deb, Pam, Mike Charley, Sarah and Martha. He was the beloved Bompa of 20 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren and Uncle Chuck to 11 nieces and nephews with an additional 29 grand nieces and nephews.
He was a true "leader of the band," bringing music into the lives of his family and inspiring all to appreciate the printed word. He will be missed.
Visitation and viewing services will be held at Money and King Funeral Home in Vienna VA on Sunday November 8th from 4pm to 7pm.
Memorial Service and Life Celebration will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Fairfax at 2pm on Monday November 9th.
Funeral Home:
Money & King Funeral Home
171 W. Maple Ave.
Vienna, VA
US 22180
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Dear Briggs Family:I just heard about the great loss of your Father. I am very sorry for your loss. I know he must of been a great man, as all his children are wonderful, and talented and positive people! I never knew Mr. Briggs, but I did go too high school with Steve and I knew Cathy as well.Only God can take your greif and mend it with His love and His time too heal. You have all your rich memories and you can keep him always close too your heart this way. May God bless you all and give you peace and His comfort at this time. Much Love, Nancy M. Sessions 000,XXX
I had the pleasure of working for / with Chuck starting in 1968. A natural leader. Will be in my prayers and thoughts, Peter
May God bless you all with peace and warmest memories of your dear father. My prayers are with you. Sincerely, Kathy (Sedlock) Rogers