Paul W. Brodack

Paul W. Brodack

(December 12, 1947 – October 7, 2022)

Paul William “Brodie” Brodack was born December 12th, 1947 in Chicago, IL and passed away on October 7th, 2022 (Age 74) at home in Effingham, surrounded by family, after a 9-month Leukemia battle.

Paul grew up in Chicago and Elk Grove, attending Northwestern University in Evanston on a football scholarship before being called to play NFL football for the LA Rams. He was a defensive tackle, the backup to Deacon Jones, in the 68/69 season. While his professional career was cut short due to an injury, football continued to be his favorite sport to discuss and debate.

Paul spent 26 years as a proud employee of American Airlines, where he made and maintained many lifelong friendships. He and his wife, Penny, spent years traveling and sailing the world before ultimately settling in Des Plaines and raising their family.

Paul was an avid collector of LGB trains, building an elaborate outdoor train track for friends and neighbors to enjoy.

Paul is survived by his wife of 49 years, Penny, his two daughters, Dana Blackmore and Kim (Matt) Cloe, the proudest PopPop to his three grandsons, Maddox, Jace, and Kristian, and beloved “little brother” to Pam (Phill) Donner, and Lynne (Ron) Anderson. He was preceded in death by his sister, Judy, and his parents, Ernest and Virginia Cogswell Brodack.

In lieu of flowers, please donate platelets. Platelets were critical in giving Paul more time with friends and family, and play an important part in cancer patient treatment.  Arrangements are by Howe and Yockey Funeral Home in Shelbyville, IL.