Larry was born on August 13, 1933 in Rochester, New York and passed away on November 19, 2022 in Palms Springs, California. Larry was raised in Rochester and attended the schools there including graduating from St. Thomas Aquinas High School and St. John Fisher College wherein he served in the United States Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) before enlisting as an officer in the United States Marine Corps in 1964. During his service, Larry received numerous badges/awards including: Bronze Star Medal with a Combat “V” device (denotes heroism and is the fourth highest military decoration for valor); Vietnam Service Medal; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Miniature Medal and Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/Palm Medal. Larry volunteered to be transferred to Twentynine Palms, known as the “Twilight Cruise”. He retired in 1981 as a Lieutenant Colonel and his proudest accomplishment was leading a group of Marines to clear the land for Copper Mountain College.
After completing his military service, Larry made Twentynine Palms his permanent residence and began his civilian career with McWhorter Realty. Larry obtained his broker’s license two years later and opened Plaza Realty. His membership with the Joshua Tree Gateway Association of REALTORS began in 1984 and he held the position of President on three occasions: 1987, 1988 and 2017. In 2018 he was honored with a Resolution of Appreciation for his exceptional record of commitment, dedicated service and outstanding leadership. He also was the Representative to San Bernardino County’s
Council of Real Estate Boards from 1983-1990 and was the Chairman of that council in 1986. He also served as President of the 29 Palms Board of Realtors in 1987 and 1988. Larry was a longtime Chair of the Education Committee; served on the C.A.R. Local Government Committee for 25 years as well as other C.A.R. committees during his time as State Director: Consumer Protection, Land User, Federal, Nominating and was an honorary C.A.R. member for life. His civic activities and service include: Honorary Rotary Member; 29 Palms Redevelopment Advisory Committee; 29 Palms Merchants Committee; Director of the 29 Palms Chamber of Commerce; Chairman of the Mural Selection Committee and 20 years as a Director with Action Council for 29 Palms. In 1995 he served with the City of Twentynine Palms as a member of the Economic Team 29 and from 2015-2018 with the Planning Commission.
A Celebration of Life Service is scheduled for Saturday, December 17, 2022 at 8:30 a.m. (Rosary) and 9:00 a.m. (Mass) at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, 6785 Sage Avenue, Twentynine Palms. Interment will follow at the Twentynine Palms Public Cemetery District, 5350 Encelia Avenue, Twentynine Palms. A repast reception will follow in the Community Room at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church (address above) in Memory of Larry Briggs.
