Russell P. Laverty
Russell Paul Laverty, 72, of Vermontville, passed away on April 2, 2019 at home with his loving family. Russ was born in Boston, Mass. on November 28, 1946, the son of the late William and Mary (Lonergan) Laverty. He attended school at Airport High School in Carlton, Mich., graduating in 1964. He married his childhood sweetheart, Bonita (Leonard) Laverty on September 11, 1965 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Carleton. Russ then attended Michigan State University, graduating with a B.S. degree in Transportation Planning in 1969, he also graduated from ROTC as a second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army.
Russ served 4 ½ years on active duty stationed in Heidelberg, Germany where he was a company commander of a tank brigade. Russ’s two sons (Dan and Jeff) were born in Germany. After returning home to Lansing, Captain Russell Laverty transferred out of the regular Army and into the National Guard where he served another four years.
After taking graduate courses in transportation planning at MSU, Russ went to work for the State of Michigan, where he was assigned to start and support 12 bus systems in the southwest corner of Michigan, from Battle Creek to Benton Harbor. Russ worked for the state for 27 years, taking early retirement at age 55. After retirement he worked on his family farm and as the Township Supervisor of Vermontville for 20 years.
In 1977, Russ and Bonnie, with their three children (Amy, Dan, and Jeff), settled in Vermontville, living on a small farm where they raised crops, sheep, and beef. This kept them busy on most weekends. However, they still found the time to take their family camping in Northern Michigan, and an annual trip to Cedar Point, along with a couple trips to Disneyland.
On their 30th wedding anniversary, Russ and Bonnie went on a trip to Hawaii and on their 40th wedding anniversary they took a trip to Alaska. When their moms were in their 80s they took them to Boston, Mass., and Las Vegas, N.V. for vacations.
Russell served his family, community, and country. He was a Cub Scout Leader for four years and a 4-H leader teaching woodworking for 27 years. He taught CCD at St. Cyril’s, served as Vermontville Township Supervisor for 20 years, and was active in the Lions Club helping with community programs.
Russ is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie Laverty of 53 years; also survived by his daughter, Amy (Adam) Meeker; and two sons, Dan (Cheri) Laverty, and Jeff (Robin) Laverty; seven grandchildren, Dan (Jessika), Brad (Stacey), Dale (Kate), Kylee, Lindsay, Juliann, Olivia; and one great-grandchild, Everly Laverty age 16 months. He is also survived by brother, William (Norma) Laverty; brother, Kevin Laverty; and sister, Cathy (Bert) Hunterbrinker.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary Laverty; sister, Marie (Dave) Zak; and brother, Richard Laverty.
A mass of Christian burial was celebrated at St. Cyril’s Catholic Church in Nashville on Saturday, April 6 2019, with Father Stephan Philip officiating. Interment took place at Woodlawn Cemetery in Vermontville.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Eaton County Medical Care Facility in Charlotte.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. For further details, please visit our website at danielsfuneralhome.net.