Milton B. Sernick

Milton B. Sernick passed away Tuesday October 29, 2024 at the age of 86.  He was born in Grand Rapids on April 7, 1938 to the late Louis and Ethel Sernick.  Milton is survived by his wife Judy Sernick, son Dan (Denise) Sernick, daughter Barbara (Mark) Gerson, grandchildren David (Bonnie White) Sernick, Natalie (Gabriel) Blauer, Rachel (fiancee Evan Follmar) Gerson, Eric Gerson, great grandchildren Luna, Desmond and Marlo Blauer, brother-in-law and dear friends Dan (Patricia) Brink, nieces Susan (Jeremiah) O’Flaherty, Molly (Tracy) Brink-Hof, nephews Larry (Cathy) Sernick and Jeffrey (Brenda) Sernick, and many others.

Milt graduated from Central High School where he was a star football player and a prodigious musician. Many of his high school friends remained by his side up until his passing. His friends and his family have described him as a joyous, lovable, and reliable man, who held steadfast to his relationships. His loyalty was unparalleled, and he had pride for the people in his life.

Milt met the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Judy Brink, at Central. Their love was strong for 67 years and bore two children.

Milt’s greatest love other than his family was music; he was a prolific drummer, and he was well known in the music circles in Grand Rapids and all over Michigan.  While stationed in Germany in the US Army Drum & Bugle Corp, Milt played music with Elvis Presley. He moved back stateside and played with many renowned musicians, such as Ella Fitzgerald, BB King, and Dinah Shore, and toured all over the US and internationally with the Muskrat Ramblers and the New Reformation Band. Beyond his remarkable skills as a drummer, Milt was specifically known for being the drummer fastest to pack up his kit to leave after a gig, a fact that makes his loved ones chuckle, as it speaks to his punctual character- always ready to move onto the next thing.

A first-generation American Jew, Milt was proud of his culture, religion, and heritage, and was a pillar for his community at Temple Emanuel. It was with humble pride that he played hand drums for Friday night Shabbat services, offering up his musical talents to bring a joyous close to the week.

In his downtime, Milt could be found ‘tinkering’ around in his house or garden; he used his innate engineering talents to build helpful household gadgets that made his loved ones smile and marvel at. On Saturdays and Sundays, he could be found yelling at the TV during the Lions or Michigan State Spartan games. This even continued into his final days in the hospital, much to the amusement of his medical team.

Those who knew Milt well knew he had a deep love for food. Among his favorites were chocolate “malteds”, donuts, Oreos, Lorna Doones, and a perfectly crispy fried chicken; he made sure those around him were well fed. There was no such thing as sharing time with Milt without sharing a meal, or at least a little nosh. His love of food drove him to love going to the gym: he made multiple friends and companions who would go with him to the gym at the crack of dawn, even in his elder years.

Milton was revered by his friends and his family and recognized by the city of Grand Rapids with a commendation from the Mayor for his contributions to the city’s cultural landscape.

The funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Thursday October 31, 2024 at Temple Emanuel, 1715 Fulton St E, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Milt and Judy Sernick Musicians Fund at Temple Emanuel or the charity of your choice.

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