William Russell ""Irish Billy"" Briggs, 56, died Sunday, June 15, at Compassionate Care Hospice at St. Francis Medical Center in Trenton. Born in Camden, he had lived most of his life in the Bordentown- Trenton area. He was a graduate of Bordentown Regional High School and was an Irish Pub owner of ""Tir Na Nog"" in Trenton. He dedicated his life to the cause of Irish freedom and was a naturalized Irish citizen He was the founder of the Luke Dillon Division of Irish Northern Aid. Billy received many awards from local and Irish organizations, being most proud of the Irish Patriot Award which was presented by the VP of Sinn Fein- Pat Doherty. He was also one of the founders of the Trenton St. Patrick's Day Parade.

He is survived by his loving Irish wife Margaret O'Donnell-Briggs, twin daughters, Ellen O'Donnell-Briggs and Mairead O'Donnell- Briggs, his parents, Russell Briggs and Francis Briggs (nee Kelly) three sisters and brothers in law, Susan and Donald Hurff of Sea Isle City, Colleen and Joseph, III Mercantini of South Carolina and Patricia Briggs of Rockaway Beach, NY ,a brother Timothy Briggs and partner Keith Cooper of New York City. Pre deceased by brothers Thomas and Terence. Also survived by, several nieces and nephews and a grand nephew. His Father and mother in law Pat and Monica O'Donnell of Tipperary, sisters in law Ellen Holden and Rosarii O'Donnell-Connorton and their families, his brother in law Joseph O'Donnell of Ireland. Also survived by his ""Bro's"" and dear friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 11:00AM at St. Mary's Church, 45 Crosswicks St., Bordentown. Interment will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Fethard & Killusty, Tipperary, Ireland. Friends may call Thursday from 2PM to 2AM at the ""Tir Na Nog"" Irish Pub, 1324 Hamilton Ave., Trenton, NJ

Memorial contributions may be made to Compassionate Care Hospice at St. Francis. No flowers, please plant a tree/flowers in his memory.