Major Richard Joseph Broder (Ret.)

Born in Boston, MA, to the late Joseph and Lillian Broder (nee Verdi), Richard was the second of five children. Raised in Winthrop, MA, Dick, as he was known, joined the Marines at 17 and continued to serve his country in the US Army. When the Vietnam conflict escalated, Dick served two combat tours there as an infantry officer: the first as a platoon leader and the second as an advisor. During these tours, he was awarded a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star with Valor, and a Combat Infantryman's Badge.

After the war, Dick and his young family settled in Albuquerque, NM, where he and his wife became successful restaurateurs while he continued his military career, including an academic stint as an Operations Officer at the US Sergeants Major Academy at Fort Bliss.

He retired from the Army after twenty years with the rank of Major, having also earned a master's degree in management.

During this period, Dick also began working with fellow Vietnam Veterans in conjunction with efforts to rehabilitate their stature throughout the country. This work reflected his lifelong interest in politics, and he remained politically engaged thereafter by serving on several statewide Veterans boards and committees. Additionally, he was appointed by the Governor to the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority. Dick's numerous other interests included several business ventures, traveling, and golf, as he became an avid golfer in later years and took several trips abroad.

Dick was proud of his Irish Italian heritage and was known for his sharp Irish wit and keen intellect. His passion for learning and knowledge stuck with him throughout his life. His children were often surprised when they brought up a topic on almost anything, whether it be history or current events; their father was already well-versed. He was a passionate reader who regularly read three to four books simultaneously. His children considered him to be the smartest man they had ever known. He was the person they went to for honest sound advice. He will be missed immensely, and his legacy will carry forward.

Mr. Broder is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Poong-Cha, daughters Tina (Morris) Broder and Kim (Kenneth) Nam-Price of NM, sons Benjamin Broder of MA, and Michael (Jenifer) Broder of CA, as well as grandchildren Richard and Shannon and great-grandchild Kashton.

He also leaves siblings Elaine Dillon, Carol Broder, Robert Broder, and niece Susan, all of MA. A sister, Anne Broder of MA, predeceased him. He will be interred with full honors at the military cemetery in Santa Fe, NM, at a date to be announced.