Patrick Briscoe Death: It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Coach Patrick Morris Briscoe on July 23, 2024, just over a week after celebrating his 81st birthday. Surrounded by his loving family, Coach Briscoe has now been reunited with his beloved wife of 58 years, Brenda, who passed away in October 2023.
Patrick Briscoe was born on July 13, 1943, and raised in Ridgely, MD, by his mother, Sara Elizabeth “Betty” Briscoe, and his father, Edwin “Pat” Briscoe. From an early age, Pat exhibited a strong work ethic and a passion for sports. He excelled as Co-Captain of the Football team, Captain of the Wrestling team, and Class Vice President at North Caroline High School, where he also met his future wife, Brenda. He graduated with honors in 1961.
Pat attended Glenville State University on a Football scholarship, where he was Captain of both the Football and Wrestling teams. A member of the TKE fraternity and President of the student body, he graduated in 1965 with degrees in Physical Education, Social Studies, and Driver’s Education. He later earned his Master’s in Education from Salisbury University.
Pat and Brenda married on August 8, 1965, and Pat began his illustrious coaching career. He coached Wrestling and Football at James M. Bennett High School alongside his mentor, Thomas Bailey. In 1975, he established the Wrestling and Football programs at Parkside High School, earning the title of The Star Democrat’s Wrestling Coach of the Year by 1977. He also taught Driver’s Education at all three local high schools through the early ’90s and coached Football and Wrestling at Parkside and Wicomico High School.
Beyond coaching, Pat worked passionately with kids in Conflict-Resolution, helping many students find their direction in life. His wisdom and guidance had a lasting impact, and many students kept in touch with him for years. Pat retired in 2002 after a distinguished 37-year career in education.
Coach Briscoe’s contributions to sports were recognized with his induction into the Maryland State Wrestling Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Maryland State Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2004 for his lifetime of service to the sport, community, and young people he coached and inspired.
After retirement, he served as Stadium Manager at the Wicomico County Football Field, a role he embraced with dedication until his illness forced him to retire in 2023. He also volunteered with the Wicomico Wolverines Wrestling team.
Coach Briscoe is preceded in death by his parents, Sara Elizabeth (Betty) Briscoe and Edwin Briscoe, his wife Brenda, and many cherished friends and family members. He is survived by his adopted son Darrell (Ann) Brow of Lutherville, MD, daughters Michelle (Craig) Shreeves of Salisbury, MD, and Nita Briscoe of Lexington, KY; his four grandchildren: Patrick and Lily Brow of Lutherville, MD, Brady Shreeves of St. Petersburg, FL, and Makenzie Shreeves of Salisbury, MD.
Coach Briscoe was a father figure and role model to countless kids in Wicomico County, offering support, guidance, and love to anyone in need. His family is deeply moved by the outpouring of memories and stories shared by former players and students.
