William L. Bromberg

BROMBERG - William (Bill) L., of Rockville Centre, NY passed away on June 18th in Oceanside, NY. He was 85 years old. Bill was born on August, 7, 1922 in New York City to his parents, Meyer D. Bromberg and Gladys Mayer Bromberg. Bill's passion for literature, theatre, film, and history was ignited at an early age and would follow him throughout his life. He received his undergraduate degree from Yale University in 1944 and, after returning from service in WWII, went on to earn two masters degrees (history and education) from Columbia University. Bill married Bronx native Suzanne (Sue) R. Wolff in 1948; she predeceased him in 1997. Their first child, Jonathan, was born on Bill's birthday in 1953. The family settled in Rockville Centre in 1954, and Bill became a teacher in the Seaford District. Their second child, Elissa, was born in 1955. During Bill's 25-year teaching career he taught 6th grade for gifted students and later served as the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum. He was also very active in community theatre. With Sue, he cofounded two theatre companies, The Genesian Players and The Universal Players, where he honed his skills as both actor and director in many productions, among them Greek tragedies, Shakespeare, Moliere, Chekhov, Beckett, Albee, and A.R. Gurney. At 55 he retired to pursue his lifelong dream of becoming a professional actor. While studying with theatre icon Stella Adler he performed on soap operas, in film, and on stage. He joined SAG, AFTRA, and Actors Equity, and served as president and a member of the board of The Rockville Centre Guild for the Arts for many years. Bill will be remembered by all as a loving and generous father, grandfather, and friend; a marvelously witty raconteur; a great dancer; a walking encyclopedia of film and theatre history; and a lifelong Ozophile. Bill is survived by his daughter, Elissa L. Bromberg, and her life companion Joy M. Weinberg of New York City; his son, Jonathan D., and wife Jan (Rugh) Bromberg, and grandson Jeffrey Bromberg of Sammamish, WA; his granddaughter Jennifer (Bromberg) McDonnell, and husband Dana of Bellevue, WA. A memorial celebrating Bill's life will be held on July 19th, from 2:00 to 4:00pm, at Macken's Mortuary, 52 Clinton Ave., Rockville Centre, NY. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The RVC Guild for the Arts at P.O. Box 950, Rockville Centre, NY 11570.