Donn "Rusty"-Sperry Jr.-Obituary

Photo courtesy of Brett Funeral Home - Milwaukee

Donn "Rusty" Wright Sperry Jr.

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The “Mayor”, only had ONE constant quality The most genuine SMILE, that would Always open and then warm your heart.

Played hoops, and soft ball with him, and remember singing (fortunately) by his invite, with his Horn Band. He played with our band (Travesty) a few times, just before launching The Horn Band.
When he played “Bring Your Sweet Lovin”, Home To ME, with our group, every single note was as crisp and sharp and “on spot”, as a cold winter’s morning, ice sickle.

Kim
My deepest condolences on Rusty’s passing
There is so much to say.
I wish him the highest seat in heaven
I wish you peace and comfort and understanding in the wake of another great loss
He truly was the man of a thousand smiles
And both of you are generous with all the gifts God has given you and thank goodness for people like you!
He will be missed but never forgotten
My deep sympathy to Ashley and Scott and Braeden

Mary ONeil

Rusty was a longtime good friend -/- enjoyed listening to the 22nd Street band

Over the years I would run into Rusty. I always considered him a friend in high school and he always made me smile. He was such a good guy, one of my favorite red heads.

You brought so much joy, spirit and music to our lives- you´ll be missed

If I ran into Rusty 100 times since high school, Rusty had a smile on his face 100 times. It always felt better when Rusty was around. A great guy that I will miss.

Offering our deepest sympathies at this time.

Obituary

Donn "Rusty"'s Obituary

Donn “Rusty” Wright Sperry Jr.A new Trumpet Player has arrived in Heaven!November 15, 1954 – June 12, 2025. Rusty passed away peacefully, surrounded byloved ones, at the age of 70 in Wauwatosa, WI.He was preceded in death by his son, Casey Sperry; his parents, Donn andAnnamae Sperry, his brother, Scott Sperry, and his in-laws, Harold and ValerieKelly.He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Kimberly; his daughter, Ashley (Scott)Wilkie and his Grandson, Braedyn Sperry.Rusty is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Sandy (Munier) Kelly-Khan, and Judy(Tom) Klein, and by his nieces and nephews: Alex (Chris) Khan, Sam Klein, Zachary(Thomas) Khan, Harrison Klein, and Natalie Klein. Beyond his immediate family,Rusty is remembered with love by a wide community of extended relatives andmany dear friends.Rusty was born in Wauwatosa, WI, on November 15, 1954. He graduated fromWauwatosa East High School in 1973 and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree inMusic from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee in 1977.A lifelong musician, Rusty had a deep love for all genres of music. He was a skilledtrumpet player who spent over 40 years playing with the Richard Trueman & the22nd Street Horn Band. He shared his love of music through decades of privatetrumpet lessons, mentoring countless students along the way.Rusty was a passionate sports fan. He loved basketball, football, baseball, and golf,and could talk with just about anyone about any of them. He seemed to knoweveryone, which is what earned him the nickname “The Mayor.”

The funeral Celebration of Life will be held at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1717Church Street, Wauwatosa, on June 26, 2025, at 2:00 pm.The family will greet visitors from 12:00 pm until the start of the service.And as Rusty would say – The beat goes on

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