Ralph Thaddeus Brody

Ralph Thaddeus Brody, age 86 of Clinton Township, Michigan, passed away on November 20, 2020. He was the loving father of Kathleen Stieber (Greg), Karen Rochte (Richard), Kimberly Heide (Ronald) and Kevin Brody (Christina); Treasured grandfather of Karl Hurt, Jacob Rochte, Nicolas Rochte, William Rochte, Jacqueline Tamer, Jennifer Wojkiewicz, Jonathon Heide, Cameron Brody, Carter Brody, Mackenzie Brody, Jacob Jaster, Alaina Jaster & Kara Adkisson; and had 8 great grandchildren. Ralph was preceded in death by his wife Joan.

Born Tadeusz Rafal Brodowski on June 2, 1934, in his parents’ house on Duncan Street in Detroit, Ralph was the only child of Stanislawa (Estelle) Beras and Alexandre Brodowski. His childhood was typical of those in the 1930-40s in that he was proud, confident, resourceful and family-centric. Raised helping his grandparents run their Hamtramck grocery store (Beras Market on Miller), he loved sharing stories of his youth - and riding his bicycle to Belle Isle was a favorite past time. At age 6, his parents bought him his first violin, and so began his lifelong passion for music.

He proudly served in the Navy, and after his honorable discharge, married his longtime sweetheart, Joan Wilk. Together they raised 4 children in the same Grosse Pointe Woods house where he grew up. Ralph enjoyed a successful career with the U.S. Customs Service and was supervisor of the Detroit port for many years. After he retired, Ralph challenged himself with many hobbies, like stained glass, and he continued playing his violin whenever he could. Playing ‘Happy Birthday’ for his grandchildren and sharing his love of music were some of his greatest joys.

Over the past few years, Ralph has taken comfort in the friendship of his dear friend and companion, Patricia Hill. They enjoyed sharing daily meals and conversations, as well as new adventures traveling throughout the country. Ralph was devoted to his family, a loyal friend & talented violinist. Reading and always learning were important to him, as well as connecting with his polish heritage.

Memorial services will be scheduled at a later date. Interment will be attended privately by immediate family, with his final resting place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Detroit, Michigan, alongside his late wife.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Ralph’s memory to Capuchin Soup Kitchen in Detroit.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.resurrectionfuneralhome.com