Wendell Louis Broderick
July 18, 1930 - February 12, 2016
Wendell Louis Broderick passed away peacefully with his wife and three children by his side. He touched many lives with his wisdom, humor and kindness.
Wendell was born in Chico, CA and graduated from Shasta Union High School in Redding, CA. where he played football. He served in the Armed Forces Department of Defense, 109th Counter Intelligence Corp, where he received the National Defense Service Medal. He then attended the University of California at Berkeley and graduated with a business degree in 1952. He made the Cal football team under Pappy Waldorf, but it was a short stint as he had a leg injury and could no longer play, but he cheered on the Bears throughout his lifetime. He was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity and has maintained friendships with many of his fraternity brothers.
Wendell is survived by his wife of 59 years, Verna, and their three children - Kathy Tamaki (Stan) of Kensington, Jeff of San Anselmo, Karen of South Lake Tahoe and grandchildren Zoe, Whitney and Courtney Tamaki and Julia and Jane Broderick. Wendell was predeceased by his brother, Donald.
Wendell and his business partner built and operated several car wash businesses in Concord, Albany and Walnut Creek. Then he went on to work as a stockbroker and later in business development and marketing.
Wendell raised his family in Lafayette where he lived for 47 years. He loved to travel, and he and Verna traveled extensively throughout Europe, sometimes with family members too. Wendell loved skiing, fishing, cooking, music and family trips to Lake Tahoe. What he enjoyed most of all were family gatherings - birthdays, special holidays or just having fun together at the family home in Lafayette.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 13 at 2 p.m. at Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church, followed by a reception in Fellowship Hall.
In memory of Wendell, the family asks that donations be made to the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church or Assistance League of Diablo Valley.