Fred Bryant, 83, a lifelong resident of Jersey City, departed peacefully on Saturday May 1, 2010 surrounded by his loving family at Christ Hospital. Fred worked at the US Post Office in Kearny, NJ for over 40 years as a Mail Handler until his retirement. In his spare time, Fred enjoyed going to jazz clubs or concerts in New York to hear sounds by Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Charlie Parker, just to name a few. Jazz was in his spirit and in his soul. To say Fred was a jazz enthusiast would be an understatement. With his cool walk and his hip talk, he was the essence of Jazz. In the early sixties, Fred and his buddy opened a shoe shine parlor on Ege Ave. in Jersey City called the Downbeat. The Downbeat operated on weekends only for approximately 11 years. Customers who loved and appreciated the music could listen to cool jazz sounds on the jukebox, while having their shoe spit shined. He is survived by his loving daughter Tracey Richardson, grandson Donald Hill, Jr., sisters Doris Simmons, Anna Fleming, nieces, nephews and a host of friends. To send a Life Tribute or Condolences to the Bryant family, please click the "Sign Guestbook" link below.