Marshall B. Briolat Sr.

Marshall Briolat, Sr., age 86, of Flushing, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 1, 2024. Marshall was born to Marshall and Rose (Ulfig) Briolat on May 31, 1938 in Ubly, Michigan. He was raised in a tight knit family with 9 siblings on a farm in Ubly. Marshall joined the United States Army after high school and then moved into the construction industry. He was part of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 324, for 61 years. Marshall met his wife Kathy Rogers while working in Flint. They were married for 56 years, raising 2 children they adored. He co-founded Genesee Bay Contractors in Davison, which provided jobs for many hard working men and women. Marshall retired in 1999 to spend more time with his family and to learn the game of golf, which he was very good at.

Marshall was a genuine man with a great sense of humor and a laugh that always made you smile. He was a strong, caring man who loved the Lord. Marshall always had a positive attitude, a pep in his step and gave great bear hugs. He was always there to lend a hand no matter what difficult project you dreamed up. Marshall was an honest, reliable friend, who enjoyed helping others. He loved John Deere tractors (we like to think he’s driving the biggest one in Heaven). He was an avid Michigan fan, even though his daughter and granddaughter graduated from Michigan State (Go Green!). 

Marshall loved golf and polkas. His favorite place to be was anywhere he could spend time with family and friends. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends, who loved him dearly. Marshall was a member of St. Mary Queen of Angels Catholic Church in Swartz Creek, where he and Kathy were married. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, until dementia set in. Marshall loved helping with projects at church, such as re-paving the parking lot, and was awarded Knight of the Year (2002-2003). 

Marshall’s kind, loving spirit is carried on by his wife, Kathy, and his children, Cyndi Maynard (Derek) and Marshall Briolat, Jr.; along with his treasured grandchildren Hailee Maynard, Marshall Briolat, III and Quinn Maynard. Marshall’s legacy lives on through his sisters Delphine Peruski (Jim), Glorie McCarty (Mike), Christine Peruski and Jean Anthony (Kevin) and brother Harold Briolat (Ranea), along with many nieces and nephews, as well as his best friend, Ron Bissonnette.

Marshall was preceded in death by his parents, Marshall and Rose Briolat, his sister and brother-in-law, Jeannette and Jack Peruski, his brother and sister-in-law, Eugene and Geraldine Briolat and his brother-in-law Rich Peruski; along with his in-laws Clint and Marie Rogers and nephew, Clint Rogers (CJ). 

A celebration of life will be held Tuesday, November 26 at 1:00 pm at Ruggeros (5311 Corunna Rd,, Flint Twp.). The family has requested that remembrances be made in Marshall’s honor to Hospice House of Shiawassee County (shiawasseehospice.org), which provided comfort for Marshall and his family as he transitioned to Heaven. Arrangements provided by Sharp Funeral Homes, Miller Road Chapel, 8138 Miller Road, Swartz Creek. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com