Beloved Musician Warren ‘Russ’ Vroom Passes Away

Plainfield, NJ, September 4, 2025

News Summary

Warren ‘Russ’ Vroom, a cherished musician and educator, has passed away just days before his 90th birthday, surrounded by family. Russ was known for his musical talents, joy in life, and contributions to the community. He served in the U.S. Army and dedicated his life to music, education, and photography. His commitment to family and friends remains a vital part of his legacy. A graveside service will be held at Beaufort National Cemetery.

Plainfield, NJ — Warren “Russ” Vroom, a beloved musician and educator, passed away peacefully just days before his 90th birthday. He died surrounded by family, who cherished his many talents and the joy he brought to their lives. Russ was born on September 10, 1935, to Warren C. Vroom and Eileen M. Vroom, and spent his early years in Plainfield, where he developed a passion for education, music, and the French language.

Russ graduated from Plainfield High School in 1954 and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree from NJ State Teachers College in 1958. His commitment to service was exemplified during the 1960s when he served as a Chaplain’s Assistant in the U.S. Army, with postings both in Germany and the United States. After returning from military service, Russ married Barbara Ann Eshleman in 1965, who sadly passed away in 2019.

Professionally, Russ made significant contributions to his community. He worked as a photographer and Audio/Visual Coordinator for Muhlenberg Hospital in Plainfield until his retirement in 1994. Alongside his career, he was an avid traveler, often exploring new places with Barbara and enjoying concerts at Tanglewood. The couple also cherished time spent with friends at their Lake Naomi home in the Poconos and playing golf in Sun City, Bluffton, SC.

Russ was renowned for his musical abilities, adeptly playing various musical genres by ear. His talent provided entertainment at numerous family gatherings and community events, solidifying his reputation as a beloved figure in local circles. Additionally, Russ had an enthusiastic appreciation for photography, great food, books, and crossword puzzles. He was known for his remarkable recall of movies, jokes, and trivia, which he often shared to entertain family and friends.

Throughout his life, Russ remained close to his family, including sister Joan C. Hutchinson and several nieces and nephews, such as Susan and James Eshleman, Jr. He also formed a significant friendship with Michelle “Shelly” Tensley, who offered unwavering support and care. The family has expressed deep gratitude to the Broad Creek Care Center and Hospice Care of the Lowcountry for their compassionate care during the declining health of both Russ and Barbara.

A graveside service will be held at 12:00 noon on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Beaufort National Cemetery, located at 1601 Boundary St., Beaufort, SC. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Hospice Care of the Lowcountry or the Broad Creek Care Center Employee Fund.

FAQ

• How old was Warren “Russ” Vroom when he passed away?

  Russ Vroom was 89 years old at the time of his passing, just days shy of his 90th birthday.

• What were some of Russ Vroom’s passions?

  Russ had a deep love for music, education, photography, great food, books, crossword puzzles, and traveling.

• When and where will the graveside service take place?

  The graveside service will be held at 12:00 noon on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Beaufort National Cemetery in Beaufort, SC.

• What charitable organizations can people donate to in memory of Russ Vroom?

  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Hospice Care of the Lowcountry or the Broad Creek Care Center Employee Fund.

Key Features of the Article

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• Legacy: Michael Burgess Obituary
• Wikipedia: Obituary
• Baker Funeral Service: Peter Combs III
• Google Search: Peter Combs III
• Tribute Archive: Michael Fiore Sr.
• Google Scholar: Michael Fiore
• Patch: Plainfield Boater’s Death Investigation
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Plainfield
• Flanner Buchanan: Gloria Kessler
• Google News: Gloria Kessler
• Legacy: Joseph Polenc Obituary
• Wikipedia: Joseph Polenc

Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT

The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.