Benjamin Lewis Brodbeck

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Benjamin Brodbeck, age 50, who left this earth far too soon. He peacefully passed on Wednesday, July 16th surrounded by loved ones after a valiant battle with Cancer. A devoted father and husband, a loving son, brother, uncle, and loyal friend. Ben was the life of the party and was adored by all who knew him.

Born on May 29, 1975 in North Palm Beach, Fl. Ben attended Allamanda Elementary, Howell Watkins Middle School and Palm Beach Gardens Hight school (class of 1993). He graduated from Tulane University in 1997 with a degree in Ecology, Evolution and Organismal Biology and a Minor in Spanish; cum laude. While living in New Orleans, Louisiana he gained valuable work experience offshore as a boat captain, worked as a federal observer on long line fishing boats and even assisted on treasure hunting expeditions. In 2000 Ben moved back home to North Palm Beach and ran the Water Taxi business operations out of Sailfish Marina. He decided to go back to school for business and earned his MBA at The University of Florida (2003) specializing in Product and Operations Management, Marketing, Entrepreneurship and Finance.

He made time while attending school and working to travel all over the world. He visited many places, Europe, Africa and South America to name a few. If you were lucky, you’ve heard one of his many tales about his whitewater raft guiding days in North Carolina, running with the bulls in Pamplona, lobstering with the locals in Cuba, climbing a volcano in Nicaragua and eating a hippo heart while on safari in Africa. He had a knack for making a short story long.

Ben is best known for being a devoted family man. He married Renee in 2009 at The Green Turtle Club, Abacos, a place that had special meaning to him. Together they built a beautiful life centered around love, adventure and family. Ben was the proud father of two beloved sons, Rollin (13) and Max (11) who were his greatest joy and legacy. His deep love of fishing and diving lives on in his boys, who share his passion for being on the water. For the past ten summers, the family embarked on unforgettable adventures in the Bahamas – traditions that shaped their lives and created countess cherished memories. Recently, Ben purchased a small boat for Rollin and Max, eager for them to begin fishing on their own, just as he had done as a boy. Ben also had a passion for cooking. He prided himself on his perfecting his barbeque techniques over the years. He loved nothing more than hosting friends and family, sharing good food and laughter. He became well known for his neighborhood crawfish boils and found great joy in introducing his boys to Louisiana traditions. His time in New Orleans deeply influenced not only his cooking but also his eclectic taste music. He had a love for jazz, classical, reggae and bluegrass – essentially any genre except “cornbread country”, which he jokingly declared forbidden on his boat. Ben also proudly wore the title of “swim dad,” and few things brought him more happiness than watching his sons compete in swim meets. His support was unwavering, and his presence poolside was a source of encouragement and strength for his boys.

Ben worked for Florida Power & Light Company for 21 years. He served as Director of Logistics and Emergency Preparedness for the past 5 years. In his role, he played a vital part in coordinating the movement of materials, equipment, food, lodging and transportation for the thousands of linemen and storm support personnel deployed across the state during hurricanes and other natural disasters. Over the course of his career, Ben supported emergency response efforts during 21 hurricanes. In 2022, he was honored as Leader of the Year for Integrated Supply Chain, recognized for leading the most effective logistics performance in the company’s history, following Hurricane Ian. Everyone who knew and worked with Ben spoke of his sense of humor, warm presence, good advice and exceptional leadership. He had a way of bringing people together both at work and in his personal life.

Benjamin Lewis Brodbeck is survived by his wife Renee Brodbeck and their two sons Rollin (13) and Max (11). He is the son of Donald Edward Brodbeck (deceased) and his mother and stepfather (Marjorie Lewis Murray and Josh Murray). He also leaves behind his sister (Leslie Brodbeck Whitaker), her children (Margie Whitaker and Beaufort Whitaker) and his step-sister (Kristi Murray Byk) and husband (Dennis Byk) and their children (Preston Byk and Sydney Byk).

Funeral services will be held at 2pm on Thursday July 31, 2025 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church 3395 Burns Road Palm Beach Gardens, Fl 33410. A Celebration of Life will follow from 4-7pm at the Manatee Lagoon for all who knew and loved Ben. 6000 N. Flagler Drive West Palm Beach, Fl 33407.