Flint, Michigan
BERRYMAN, Russell G. - Of Flint, age 93, died Saturday, September 25, 2010 at Avalon Hospice. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, September 28, 2010 at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 2415 Bagley Street, Flint, Father Tom Firestone officiating. Burial in New Calvary Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Avalon Hospice. Visitation was held Monday at the Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road. A Rosary was prayed on Monday at the funeral home. Mr. Berryman will be at the church from 9:30 a.m. Tuesday until the time of the Mass. Russell was born in Calumet, Michigan on September 21, 1917, the son of Thomas and Mary Berryman and was a resident of Flint. On August 19, 1939 he married Dorothy June Ellithorpe in Flint and then married Vernice Rader on June 15, 1996. He was a member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church and was a lifetime member of Federation of Musicians. He had a passion for music and played the drums in the Braham Ward Orchestra Concerts in the Park, Flint Symphony, the Russ Berryman Band and was an avid golfer. He was Past President from 1959-1984 of the Local Federation of Musicians Local 542. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps. Mr. Berryman was employed by Fisher Body in the Accounting Department for 45.7 years. Surviving are sons, Robert (Suzanne) Berryman of North Carolina, James (Susan) Berryman of Adrian, Michigan, Don (Charlene) Berryman, Ron (Meredith) Berryman, all of Atlanta, Georgia; daughter, Cheryl (Peter) Thoms of Flint; daughter - in - law, Maxine Berryman; wife, Vernice of Flushing; 25 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; step - daughter and son Karen (Andy) Suski and Don Rader; sisters-in-law, Marge Berryman and Bea Berryman;brother-in-law, Jerry (Jan) Ellithorpe; many nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by wife, Dorothy; two sons, Gary and Thomas. Your condolences may be shared with the family at swartzfuneralhomeinc.com
I had the honor of knowing and working with Russ and his Combo during the years of 1976 thru 1985. Every gig was a pleasure being with such a kind professional, respectable gentleman. He will be greatly missed.
Our condolences to his family.
Richard & Helen Kuciemba, Fenton MI
September 28, 2010
I knew and respected Russ for his substantial work and leadership on behalf of local music and musicians over many years. May his life be duly celebrated and his family find solace.
David Wharton
September 27, 2010 | Grand Blanc, MI
Russ Berryman was President of Local 542 when I joined in the 60's. He was a very likeable gentle man, a pragmatist, a caring, thoughtful and fair man.
I am so very glad I got to see him at the Local's gathering this year. Albeit his frailty was obvious, but his presence in the room that night was so appreciated by all, and I was overwhelmed by his continued loyalty and commitment to all his Union buddies.
I will really miss him.
Mary Margaret St. John
September 27, 2010
On Behalf of the Board of Directors of The Flint Federation of Musicians Local 542 of The American Federation of Musicians I would like to say, Mr. Berryman was someone we all looked up to and admired. His work will always be remembered. Russ is considered an icon amoungst his brothers & sisters here at the Local 542. Our prayers are with you Mr. Berryman, and with your family as they Celebrate your life and morn your loss.
With all due respect - Local 542 Board of Directors On...
Local 542
September 27, 2010 | Flint, MI
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Norm Coleman
September 27, 2010 | Flushing, MI
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Herb and Rhea Mills
September 27, 2010
Like all the Berryman brothers and sister Jessica, Uncle Russ has always been a wonderfully kind, loving and gentle person who is such a joy to know. With that friendly smile and a hearty laugh, he always presented himself as a happy man with a love for the good things in life: family, friends, church, career, music, travel, and sports. I am proud to have had Uncle Russ in my life and know that I am a better person for it. We are all blessed to be part of such a great family. We will miss...
Kevin, Val, Kirk & Maureen Berryman
September 27, 2010 | Whitmore Lake, MI
The professional musicians of this area owe a real debt of gratitude to Russ for his leadership during his many years as president of local 542, Flint Federation of Musicians. I was fortunate and proud to know and to work with Russ and am grateful for his continued interest in and assistance to our local during my term as president. My sincerest condolences to his family.
Ken Duquaine
September 27, 2010 | Holly, MI
To the family of Russ Berryman,So sorry for your loss, Russ was a great person and An Icon in Flint .
Barb and Bob Adado
September 27, 2010