George T. Brodbeck

Born in Brooklyn, Mr. Brodbeck came to Staten Island in 1968, settling in Oakwood. He moved to Great Kills in 1972 and to Dongan Hills four years ago.

Mr. Brodbeck joined the New York City Police Department in 1961. He retired in 1980 with the rank of detective from the 62nd Precinct, Brooklyn.

From 1970 until 2000, he operated four South Shore eateries.

In the 1970s he co-owned George and Tom's Candy Store in Great Kills. In the early 1980s, he owned the Sweet Tooth Luncheonette, also in Great Kills. Also in the 1980s, he managed the Office Lounge, Great Kills. He then owned and operated the Rockaway Cove, Tottenville, where he made lifelong friends and memories, from the late 1980s until 2000, when he retired.

Mr. Brodbeck was a member of the NYPD's Holy Name Society and Emerald Society.

He also belonged to the Knights of Columbus.

Mr. Brodbeck served with the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.

"George was a loving husband, a fun father and an adoring grandpa," said his wife, Margaret. "He was one of the nicest people you would ever want to meet."

Mr. Brodbeck's son, George J., died in 2004.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, the former Margaret McKenna; a son, Michael; two daughters, Elaine Donato and Patricia Balderes, and 10 grandchildren.

Arrangements are being handled by Casey-McCallum- Rice South Shore Funeral Home, Great Kills, with a mass on Wednesday at 10 a.m. in St. Patrick's R.C. Church, Richmond. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Pleasant Plains.