Frederick Wilkinson Bromberg

Ricky was born on August 16, 1959, in Birmingham, the son of Lella Clayton and Frank Hardy Bromberg, Jr. He attended Mountain Brook Elementary, the Birmingham University School (BUS), and graduated from The Altamont School in 1978. Ricky graduated with honors from The University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Commerce and Business Administration. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Jasons Senior Men’s Honorary, Omicron Delta Kappa, and Capstone Men and Women. Following graduation, Ricky was accepted into Macy’s Management Executive Development Program in New York City, where he gained valuable retail experience before returning to Birmingham to begin his career in the family business.

Ricky served as President of Bromberg & Co., Alabama’s oldest business, established in 1836. His connection to the family business began as a boy with his first job operating the elevator at the downtown store. He kept the first 50-cent piece he earned there, a small reminder of a business that would remain an important part of his life. As a member of the sixth generation of his family to manage the company, Ricky went on to devote 43 years to Bromberg’s.

Ricky first met his wife, Nancy Beaird Bromberg, at Bromberg’s in Mountain Brook in 1978. Together they built a life rooted in family, faith and friendships, and shared 39 years of marriage. Ricky took great pride in being a husband, father, and grandfather and treasured the many friendships he formed and kept throughout his life.

That same sense of commitment extended to his community and profession. Ricky was a member of The University of Alabama President’s Cabinet. He served as Chairman of the Alabama Retail Association and as President of the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce. He also served as a Director and Treasurer of the downtown City Action Partnership. He held leadership positions with numerous professional, civic, and charitable organizations, including the American Gem Society, Retail Jewelers Research Group, Alabama Goodwill Industries, and the Birmingham Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America. As an Eagle Scout, Ricky remained proud of his years in scouting. In 2025, he received the Distinguished Alumni Award from The Altamont School.

Ricky was a Southern gentleman in every sense of the word. He valued tradition, believed in doing things properly, and was rarely seen without a suit and tie. Beneath that formality was a warm and genuine man with a wonderful dry sense of humor and a sincere interest in others. He was compassionate, dependable, and honest. His generosity extended well beyond charitable giving; the time, friendship, and kindness he offered others was limitless.

Ricky’s deep faith in God was central to his life. A lifelong member of the Cathedral Church of the Advent, he served several terms on its Vestry and became Senior Warden in 2026, a role he called “the honor of a lifetime.” His service to the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama extended to Camp McDowell, where he served as Co-Chair of the capital campaign for Bethany. He was also a member of the Rotary Club of Birmingham and the Country Club of Birmingham. In 2024, Ricky was honored to serve as King of the Beaux Arts Krewe Ball.

Ricky is survived by his beloved wife, Nancy Bromberg; his son, Frederick Wilkinson Bromberg, Jr. (Wil), and his wife, Kathrine Ford Reeves Bromberg (Katie); his grandchildren, Lella Elizabeth Bromberg and Reeves Hardy Bromberg; and his siblings, Frank Hardy Bromberg, III; Charles Clayton Bromberg and his wife, Christy Bromberg, of Jacksonville, Florida; and Lella Bromberg Wilbanks and her husband, Bruce Wilbanks, of Nashville, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank Hardy Bromberg, Jr. and Lella Clayton Bromberg.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the Cathedral Church of the Advent. Visitation will immediately follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Cathedral Church of the Advent, 2017 Sixth Avenue North, Birmingham, AL 35203, or to a charity of your choice.

Ricky’s family extends their deepest appreciation to the Bromberg & Co. family, whose loyalty, friendship, and steadfast support throughout his career mean more than words can express. They are also profoundly grateful to the extraordinary doctors, nurses, and staff who cared for Ricky over the past year, with particular gratitude to Dr. Allen Yeilding and Dr. Tom McRae.

Services are under the direction of Ridout's Valley Chapel (205-879-3401) in Homewood.