Norman Leroy Bodarky, 95, of West Palm Beach, Florida, passed away on October 21, 2024.  He was born in New York City on February 18 1929, the son of Saul Bodarky and Mae G. Bodarky (née Pollack).

Norman studied electronics at RCA Institute.  He worked in electronics repair, taught algebra, and served in the army during the Korean War, after which he was honorably discharged.

On January 31, 1965, Norman married Renee Goldberg.  They were soulmates, and remained together until Norman's death, almost 60 years later.

Norman's uncle Jules had started Towson Artist Supply, a purveyor of fine art supplies in the Baltimore suburbs.  By the early 1970s Jules was having heart problems, and he passed the business on to his nephew, Norman, and a long-time employee, Carl Gusio.  Norman and Carl ran the business together for the next 30 years.

The art shop was like a family.  Many quirky characters passed through its doors.  Employees often remained there for years or even decades.  Regular customers often dropped by the office to see Norman and Carl.  Norman played the harmonica, sang, and played guitar.  He loved Bing Crosby and was known to break into song regardless of circumstances.

Norman was very athletic.  In the late 1940s he got his picture in the New York Times due to his success at handball.  He also played table tennis, softball, rode his bicycle, and engaged in many other sports.

When Norman and Renee retired, they moved to Florida and enjoyed a resurgent second life.  They made new friends, went on cruises, played water polo, and participated in both a chorus and a play-reading group.

Norman made it all the way to 90, free of aches and pains.  At 90 he was diagnosed with dementia.

Even as he faded away, he retained his gentle nature and sunny disposition.  All of his caretakers were very fond of him.  Even at the end his face lit up whenever he saw his beloved Renee.

He loved his family, and was survived by his wife Renee Bodarky, son Scott Bodarky, grandchildren Jess and Isabella Sorrell, niece Lynn Bodarky, nephew Jeffrey Goldberg and his partner Frank Machlica, and honorary grandchildren Emily and Grace.

Anyone wishing to honor Norman's memory with a memorial donation, please consider one or both of the following charities:

Alzheimer's Foundation of America (alzfdn.org) - 322 Eighth Ave, 16th Flr., New York, NY 10001

or

American Cancer Society- PO Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741