Roy Brody

Brody, Roy Michael "Rip" - Age 72, of Linden, died May 7, 2022 in Port Charlotte, Florida. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1pm, Saturday, May 21 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 9450 Duffield Rd., Gaines. Visitation will be held 2-8 PM Friday May 20 at Sharp Funeral Homes, Fenton Chapel,  1000 Silver Lake Road, Fenton with a Vigil service at 7 PM Friday; and visitation one hour before the mass Saturday at the church. Those desiring may make memorial contributions towards research at the University of Michigan Frankel Cardiovascular Program at www.leadersandbest.umich.edu.

Roy was born February 17, 1950 in Terre Haute, Indiana, the son of Roy Clarence Brody and Anna (Sebastian) Brody. He married Susan Kalinowski on June 28, 1970 in Harvey, Illinois. He had resided in the Linden area since 1970, most recently spending winters in Florida. He worked as a leader in the grocery business for over 40 years at Hamady’s, Kessel’s, and Kroger.

Roy spent most of his youth in Harvey, Illinois, the oldest of 9 siblings.  He attended Thornton High School where he served on student council, and competed in track and cross country, setting the school record for the 2-mile (9:17).  Most importantly, it was at Thornton where he met his future wife and life partner, Susie Brody, a love story that continued for 54 years.

He climbed the leadership ranks of the Flint area grocery business starting first as a stock clerk at Hamady’s, and then quickly ascending into senior leadership roles at Hamady’s, Kessel’s, and Kroger.  Notorious for his attention to detail and “to do lists”, Roy helped develop dozens of senior leaders across the grocery business landscape in Michigan.

An avid golfer, first as a caddie at Calumet Country Club, and later as a member of Spring Meadows Country Club for over 40 years, Roy had 7 hole-in-ones and 4 prestigious Brody Cup titles.  He loved the game and loved living on the first hole of Spring Meadows. Most recently, he enjoyed seeing his grandchildren take up and excel in the game as well.

Roy was especially proud of his 3 sons, all who went on to take senior leadership roles in the golf, technology, sports, and financial services industries.

Roy enjoyed retirement in Lake Suzy, FL, extending the golf season and taking up home improvement projects, while keeping up with all of his favorite Detroit & Michigan area sports teams.

Anyone that knew “Rip”, knew him as a straight shooting, competitive, no nonsense leader, that had a zest for both hard work and good times.

Surviving are: his wife of 51 years, Susan "Susie" Brody, three sons, Douglas (Jenn) Brody of Grand Blanc, Dean (Lindsey) Brody of Clarkston, Derek Brody of Linden; seven grandchildren, Dru, Kate, Luke, Tyler, Elle, Reese and Ben; daughter-in-law Tifany Brody; siblings, Bill (Kathy) Brody, Alan (Shelley) Brody, Debra Armstead, Renee (Terry) Keener, Suzi (Shawn) Alejandro, Sheri (Lewis) Ball; sister-in-law, Vicky Brody; many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son David; sister Denise Davis; and brother Steve Brody. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.