Robert D. (“Bob”) Broka, who served the BLET National Division as Director of Records, passed away on February 13. He was 77 years old. Broka began working for the Brotherhood in 1970 and retired in 2010. His 40 years of service spanned the administration of 11 different BLE International Presidents and BLET National Presidents, and eight different International and National Division conventions.
In the latter part of his career, Broka helped lead the transition into the modern-era of dues reporting, which saw BLET Secretary-Treasurers file their monthly dues remittance reports using web-based technology instead of paper filing methods.
Upon his retirement in early 2010, Broka was named an Honorary BLET Member, only the 16th person to hold that distinction in the 162-year history of the BLET and its predecessor organizations. Brother Broka was presented with a proclamation signed by then-National President Paul Sorrow, which read in part, “The life, work and creative energy of Bob Broka has served as an inspiration for thousands of members of the BLET, and for nearly 40 years Bob has dedicated his career to helping Secretary-Treasurers of all levels of the Organization in his capacity as Director of the Records Department.”
National Secretary-Treasurer David Estes, who was just one of the thousands who benefited from the guidance of Broka, said of his passing: “Bob was one of my first introductions to the Brotherhood during training classes where he methodically outlined the work required of the Division Secretary-Treasurer. He was a pillar of our proud Organization’s administrative strength for decades and I am forever humbled and proud to call him a Brother.”
He is survived by his sons Rob, Ryan, Andrew and Jeremy, and granddaughter Camille. The family will receive friends for a visitation and celebration of life service in Westlake, Ohio, on Sunday, March 16.
Upon his retirement, Broka was named an Honorary BLET Member, only the 16th person to hold that distinction in the 162-year history of the BLET. From left: Retired National Secretary-Treasurer Bill Walpert, Bob Broka, and retired National President Paul Sorrow at Broka’s retirement party in 2010.