Obit: William B. Brigham ... retired firefighter

ROCHESTER - William B. Brigham, 77, died peacefully Tuesday, Feb. 11, at Riverside Rest Home.

William had resided in Rochester since 1962. In 1966, he joined the Rochester Fire Dept. as a full-time firefighter. He spent 20 years service for the city and residents. He was very proud of his job, and enjoyed it very much. After retiring in 1987, the fire dept. was still his life. He might have stepped out of his uniform, but, still had the care and concern every time there was a fire. Sometimes he would go to a fire to make sure everything was OK.

William served eight years in the Navy, and the Naval Reserves. He served aboard the U.S.S. Casa Grande. He served from July 1955 until July 1963. He received an honorable discharge. He was an Engineer equipment repairman, performing technical inspections and maintenance

William also drove school buses in the area for 40 years. His part-time job while on the fire dept. became full time after retirement. He did school routes, sports trips and field trips for various schools. He enjoyed that job very much.

William leaves behind his companion/wife/caretaker of 34 years, Marylou Ryder Brigham, of Farmington, his sons Robert and Shawne French, and his daughter Beth Wells all of Rochester. Several grand children, DJ, Stephanie, Katie, Mackenzie, Zack, Matthew and Samantha. He also has four great-grandchildren; a brother and sister in law Richard and Joan Brigham, Windsor, Conn. Numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents George and Joshephine Brigham and a brother George "Bud" Brigham.

He enjoyed the time spent with his grandchildren as they were growing up. A lot of good times. They called him Pop Pop.