The funeral for renowned newsman TIM RUSSERT took place this morning at the Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Washington D.C. Along with Tim's son LUKE and wife MAUREEN ORTH, also paying their respects were NBC anchor BRIAN WILLIAMS, "Today" show co-host MATT LAUER, TOM BROKAW, MARIA SHRIVER, KATIE COURIC and Senators JOHN KERRY, BARACK OBAMA and JOHN McCAIN.

Luke eulogized his father, keeping it light at times, saying, "My dad's favorite philosopher was YOGI BERRA. He couldn't get enough Yogi-isms in his life. One of his favorites was 'You should always go to other people's funerals or else they won't come to yours.' And I am sure that Tim Russert will be at all of your funerals."

Luke also talked about his dad's heart, optimism, passion and faith, calling him "a force of nature."

Meanwhile, Lauer, Williams, JACK WELCH, BRYANT GUMBEL and JEFF ZUCKER were honorary pallbearers, while Brokaw gave a greeting at the start of the ceremony.

Later this afternoon there will also be a private memorial service at the Kennedy Center in D.C. which will be televised live on MSNBC.

Russert died of a heart attack on Friday, June 13. He was 58.