Seth Briggs, Jr. (known as Sam), 72, passed away on July 17th, 2025 surrounded by his beloved wife and three children. Sam faced a challenging year in 2025 with various medical conditions. He received outstanding care at Northwestern Hospital, and following a successful heart surgery, he suffered a sudden, severe stroke, where he then passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and three children.

Sam will be remembered for his thoughtful gestures, words of wisdom, and patience as a loving and kind father and husband, and friend to many. It gave him great enrichment to help those around him and he brought strength and hope to a large circle as a Friend of Bill.

Born on March 21st, 1953 in Brookline, Massachusetts, Sam was a proud East Coaster. He attended The Park School followed by Noble and Greenough School in 1972 and graduated from Lake Forest College in 1977, where his love of sports flourished. While earning his economics degree, he made his mark as a three-sport athlete, playing soccer, lacrosse and hockey. Sam also contributed to the school's newspaper, putting in many late nights and early mornings to get to print.

Sam was a lifelong athlete beyond his college years. Learning to sail on Salter's Point as a kid, Sam later enjoyed many sailing trips in the rough waters of the Atlantic Ocean along the Maine coast. In his 20's, he was active on his adult men's hockey team and played squash after joining the Racquet Club of Chicago, where he remained a friendly, well-loved member throughout his life. It gave Sam great pride and joy to share his countless athletic delights with his children, especially time on the golf course and ski hill at Vail.

Sam had a successful career in reshaping real estate in downtown Chicago. He spearheaded numerous deals along Michigan Avenue during its redevelopment, most proudly with the Nike and I. Magnin buildings.

Following retirement, Sam embarked on another career in establishing the Reichard Real Estate Academy within the Gies College of Business University of Illinois Urbana Champaign. As an adjunct professor, he introduced students to the world of real estate finance and investment, enthusiastically teaching, mentoring, and inspiring his students. He truly loved working with and being a mentor to his many students.

To know Sam is to know that he was a true connoisseur of life and loved sharing his passions with those he was closest to. Whether it be his travels to Capri, his love of music from the 100+ concerts attended, being an avid reader, an admirer (or critic) of architecture, the biggest chocolate fan you'd ever seen, or his impressive collection of Ralph Lauren fashions and cashmere sweaters, not to mention his one-of-a-kind coffee order: a decaf, quad shot cappuccino (add 4 sugars).

Sam's affection for his family was deep and endless and at the forefront of his life. His love was evident in every gathering at "Daddy's Place," where he delighted in providing French toast, grilled steaks, infinite ice cream options, and any and all snacks to welcome friends at home. As a man of tradition, his culinary pursuit for the perfect homemade lasagna was a Christmas Eve tradition that delighted loved ones, as were his Christmas morning popovers.

He is survived by his wife, Julia; his three children, Peter, Henry ("Hank") and Lindy, from his first marriage to Mary Claire Sparrow; his stepchildren, Alex Hills (Trisha) and Samantha Gold (Alex Gold); his grandchildren, Blair and Wesley Gold; his siblings, Anne Smith (Curt Smith) of Wellesley, MA; Rob Briggs of Wilder, VT; Tom Briggs (Rusty Briggs) of Houston, TX; and Jim Briggs (Gail Briggs) of Castro Valley, CA; and numerous nieces and nephews. Sam is predeceased by parents, Seth and Elizabeth ("Betty") Briggs.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 9th at 11am at The Racquet Club of Chicago (1365 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60610). Coat and tie required but please wear something with color in his honor. Contributions in his name may be made to Lake Forest College (www.lakeforest.edu/giving) and the University of Illinois Foundation (https://go.illinois.edu/SethBriggs) (via check: University of Illinois Foundation, P.O. Box 734500, Chicago, IL 60673-4500) to contribute to the Seth Briggs Memorial Giving Page at the Reichard Real Estate Academy at the Gies College of Business, ensuring Sam's legacy continues to inspire future generations.