Richard Byron Briscoe

Richard Byron Briscoe, 74, of Hyde Park, Utah, passed away on February 1, 2024. He was born on June 24, 1949, in Denver, Colorado, to Lewis and Catherine Briscoe.

Richard attended John F Kennedy High School in Denver, Colorado, and later graduated Weber State University in Ogden, Utah.

In August of 1968, Richard was called to serve a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ to “The Great Italian Mission,” which covered the all of Italy, Sicily and Sardinia.  He was thrilled at the chance to go preach the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ to the people of his ancestral homeland. His grandparents had immigrated from Italy only years earlier. His Nana (Divina Dardano Frustaci) was especially excited that her Nipotino was going to experience the land and culture she loved. His love and connection with Nana was something he spoke of often. Richard loved the people and culture of Italy. He spoke the language beautifully, with many Italians insisting that he must be native Italian. He loved the time he was able to spend preaching the restored Gospel.   Sharing his testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ was something he cherished throughout his life.

In December of 1970, Richard met his sweetheart, Carrie Ann Stevens, while he was teaching her Sunday school class. They fell in love quickly and were sealed for time and all eternity in the Los Angeles California Temple on July 16, 1971. Over the course of their 52-year marriage, they welcomed eight children, twenty-eight grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.

In 2019, Richard was able to serve a second mission to Italy, this time serving in the Rome Temple Visitor Center, in the Italy Rome Mission. He was grateful to have his beloved eternal companion by his side. It was a time of hard work and dedication, but they were both happy to serve the Lord. Covid brought an early end to their time serving in Italy, but they made many friends and loved those they served with. Shortly after their return, Richard was diagnosed with Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Cancer. This didn’t hinder their desire to serve the Lord and he received permission from his oncologist to serve another mission if they stayed stateside. In March of 2022, Richard and Carrie were once again called to serve, this time to the Oregon Salem Mission. Richard loved missionary work and especially loved serving with the young missionaries. He was heartbroken to have to return home in October of 2022 due to the progression of his cancer.

 Richard had a great love for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He developed a love for family history work, and along with his sweet wife Carrie, they were able to find the names of many generations of his Italian ancestors. Not only were these names prepared for the temple, but he was excited to meet these family members when he passed to the other side of the veil. He looked forward to joining his brothers, Kenneth and Frank, and sharing the beautiful plan of happiness with their Italian ancestors. He instilled a love of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in his children. Gospel discussions were an enjoyable part of their lives, and a frequent occurrence from childhood and throughout their adult lives.  

Richard leaves behind a loving family, including his wife Carrie Ann (Stevens) Briscoe, and their children: Jacob (Amy) Briscoe, Candice (Kelly) Lutz, Jed (Suzanne) Briscoe, Emma (Brad) Leavitt, Eli (Asia) Briscoe, Daniella (Tom) Lillywhite, Joshua (Cara) Briscoe, and Hyrum Briscoe.

Richard was preceded in death by his father, Lewis Briscoe, his mother, Catherine Briscoe, and his brothers Kenneth Briscoe and Frank Briscoe.

 A memorial service will be held on February 10, 2024, at 11am at the LDS chapel located at 800 N 3300 W, West Point, UT.

 Richard will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his passion for education, and his kind-hearted nature. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.