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Irving Burton Obituary
Bergenfield, NJ - The world has lost the true father of Modern Dance. Irving Burton passed away on March 15, 2019 at 95 years of age surrounded by his wife and children. Irving was an actor, dancer, teacher and choreographer. He performed on Broadway, off Broadway and was a 24 year featured member of The Paper Bag Players, a nationally and internationally known pioneer of children's theatre. He performed with them throughout the United States as well as internationally. Irving was seen on numerous television shows as well as movies. Irving was born Israel Burton Greenberg on August 5, 1923 in Brooklyn, NYC. His parents were Morris Meir and Sarah Bella Greenberg. He leaves behind his loving wife of 62 years, Maryan Francis Burton, whom he met as her dance teacher. Together they had 4 children:
Sarah Beth Burton Doleac (Craig) of Maryland, Byron Francis Burton (Monica) of NJ, Juliana Burton Ballard, DVM (Terry) of VA and Dr. Benjamin M. Burton of NJ.
5 grandchildren:
Aaron Nathaniel Burton (Alyson), Adam James Burton (Janelle), Zachary Burton Ballard, Rachel Alexandra Ballard and Rebecca Jean Doleac.
2 great grandchildren:
Chase Burton and Elyana Grace Burton.
Irving Burton was a brilliant, creative mind, a beautiful and gifted dancer, a man who loved his family, his dogs, his friends and the dance community. He will be deeply missed by us all. Visiting at Riewerts Memorial Home, 187 So. Washington Ave., Bergenfield on Monday 3-7 PM. Interment will take place at Maple Grove Cemetery, Granville, OH. A celebration of Irving's amazing life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations to The Center For Modern Dance Education or Restore Native Plants (restorenativeplants.org) would be appreciated. Send a lasting condolence at riewertsmemorialhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Irving Burton
Sponsored by Riewerts Memorial Home, Inc. - Bergenfield.
5 Entries
Michael
April 9, 2025
Just learned of his passing. I saw him many times with the Paper Bag Players and I can still hear his voice from listening to their album over and over as a kid. He was a great and memorable performer who brought joy to many. He will be missed.
Elissa Machlin-Lockwood
March 19, 2019
Irving was a treasure. He was a beloved guest artist at the Center for Modern Dance Education(CMDE) where he taught, choreographed ,performed and inspired dancers of all ages and abilities including people with disabilities. I believe He met CMDE founder Shirley Ubell decades ago at the New Dane Group.I am so glad to have had the pleasure of knowing him. We are touched and honored at CMDE to receive donations in his memory
Ruth Grauert
March 18, 2019
I knew Irving from the Paper Bag Players when they performed to the Henry St. Playhouse in th 1950's where I was stage director. We happily remet at Art of Motion last year. I so admired his work and will miss seeing him at AOM each month.
Go well, dear Irving!!
March 17, 2019
So sad to hear the news. Irving was an inspiration in the stuttering community. I was privileged that he chose me to be a cast member in his theater piece on stuttering "Why can't we talk. George Laday
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Memorial Events
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Mar
18
Visitation
3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Riewerts Memorial Home, Inc. - Bergenfield187 South Washington Ave., Bergenfield, NJ 07621-2987
Funeral services provided by:
Riewerts Memorial Home, Inc. - Bergenfield187 South Washington Ave., Bergenfield, NJ 07621-2987
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