Karl Brigham

Karl E. Brigham, 82, passed away Saturday, September 7, 2013 at Good Shepherd Village Health Center in Endwell, New York. Nancy, his loving wife of 61 years, was by his side. Karl was predeceased by his parents, John and Erma Brigham and a sister, Clara Fenstemacher. He is survived by his son, Randy (Fran) and granddaughter, Leanne; his son, Kraig (Sharon) and granddaughters, Alison and MacKenzie; and his son, Tim (Pam) and granddaughters, Jennelle and Laura Reed (Tucker). Karl is also survived by a sister, Grace Clark and sisters-in-law, Susann Mitchell, Sally (Tom) Purtell, Patty (Mark) Gardner; and brother-in-law, Bill (Mary Lou) Martin; and several nieces and nephews. After graduating from Johnson City High School in 1949, Karl joined the U.S. Navy. Upon completion of his service to his country, Karl began his long career with IBM in Endicott, later transferring to IBM in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he worked until his retirement in 1987. Karl was a member of IBM’s Quarter Century Club. The last few years of his life, Karl lost his ability to speak, but those who knew him well remember that he never knew a stranger and always loved to share a funny story, observation, or joke. He also loved to sing and was active for many years as a member of the Southerntiersmen Barbershop Chorus; also serving as District President of SPEBSQSA. After moving to North Carolina, he and three others formed a Barbershop Quartet known as “Four Gone South.” Whether you knew him as Karl (with a “K”), Dad, Grandpa, or Grumpa, you knew that he loved his three sons and their families. He especially enjoyed the company of his five granddaughters. Above all, he cherished his beloved wife, Nancy. The family will receive friends at Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott, at 3 pm on Saturday, September 14th. A memorial service, also at the Allen Memorial Home, will follow at 4 pm, with the Reverend Robert Gaska, Chaplain, Good Shepherd Communities officiating. In appreciation for the wonderful care Karl received and for their support of Nancy through his long struggle, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in Karl’s memory to Good Shepherd Communities Foundation for the Employees Scholarship Fund, 32 Village Drive, Endwell, NY 13760