Obituary: Florence Brody

Florence Brody died peacefully at the age of 93 in Boca Raton, Fla., Nov. 26, 2018. Born in Newark, N.J., she attended Weequahic High and graduated from Upsala College. After World War II, she met and married Martin Brody, the love of her life. Martin Brody was the chairman of Restaurant Associates from 1963 to 2009. Together as partners, Florence and Martin crafted a life full of hard work, civic duties and philanthropy. Towards these goals, she hosted many social, business and philanthropic events.

In 1981, Florence hosted a 60th birthday party for Martin at Lincoln Center, where she invented “food stations.” The food stations offered guests a variety of international cuisine. Ahead of her time, this entertaining style remains popular today. Florence was a theater and art devotee and served on the board of the New York Shakespeare Festival and the American Folk Art Museum. Her highly successful fundraising events for the New York Shakespeare Festival were featured and photographed in the New York Times society section. Florence was also active in the Jewish community, chairing events for Jewish Federation of MetroWest NJ and the Jewish Federation of South West Palm Beach.

Florence, a beautiful woman, had an eye for aesthetics and was known for her impeccable taste, her beautifully curated homes and her masterful entertaining skills. In her later years, she developed a passion for bridge and played daily. Florence was a force who lived her life on her own terms. She was truly a woman in full. We will all miss her spirit.

Surviving Florence are son and daughter-in-law, Marc Robert and Carleen Brody; daughter and son-in-law, Renee Brody and Alan Levow; grandchildren Jake Levow, Cary Levow, Justine Brody; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Marian and Myron Soled. A graveside memorial service took place at B’nai Abraham Memorial Park, in Union, N.J. Dec. 9. Tributes may be sent to either the Jewish Federation of MetroWest NJ, or of South Palm Beach County in Florida.

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