INITIATION OF BR. BRENT BRODY

CHERISHING OUR VALLEY       2012

The student members of the Phi Delta Psi Fraternity at Los Angeles Pierce College took their oaths of lifelong loyalty so seriously that their youthful bond still holds much of the group together in 2012. For example, 13 alumni "brothers" just shared a "13th hour" lunch at the Red Robin restaurant this June in Calabasas.

While kneeling, Brent Brody of Pierce College swears his lifetime loyalty to the Phi Delta Psi Fraternity before the Beta Chapter President Donald Collins. Standing at the podium was Paul Martz, the Fraternity's Pledge Master. At Paul's left standing is LeRoy D. Hunt the organization's Master of Rituals and Traditions, Seating at the right is Donald B. Taggart Founder and first President of the Fraternity. To the left are Bob Marko and Larry Tunison. Spring 1961.

Brent Brody went on to co-found Brent's Deli in Northridge, California. He later establishing a second Brent's Deli in Honolulu, Hawaii. (click on image to enlarge)

Photo number 5092 - Phi Delta Psi Archives - The Museum of the San Fernando Valley

NOTE ABOUT THE LOSS OF BR. BRENT BRODY

I wanted to comment on Brent Brody passing. I can't seem to get
it posted. We were room mates in 61. He was a solid guy who worked very hard. He
was always loyal to his friends, family & Fraternity brothers. Haven't seen him for
several years but am sad he is gone.
Tom Shanley

THE LOSS OF Br. BRENT BRODY

We have lost our Fraternity Brother Brent Brody.  His family has requested that we share photographs of him. Please contact Jerry Fecht if you have images to share.

 Brother Brent Brody was born on the 24th of February, 1942 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was initiated into the Phi Delta Psi Fraternity in the Spring of 1961. Brent served as Social Chairman for the Beta Chapter of our Brotherhood.

Brent is widely believed to be the hardest working man to pledge our Fraternity. While attending Piece, he worked long hours in the delicatessen business, "learning the trade." The motives of the Brothers by electing Brent Social Chairman were obvious. Beta Brothers were the best fed young guys in the Valley. After college, Brother Brody founded Brent's Deli in Northridge, California. He later established Brent’s Deli in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Brent and his wife Joanne were married over 40 years. They shared twin, 36 year old, daughters Shanah and  Sarah and an older daughter Yanah 39.  Brent had a son Derek, 43 from a previous marriage. The Brody's had 13 grandchildren. Our Brother Brent died on Friday April 6, 2012.

REMEMBER "LIMBO" CONTESTS

 With calypso music blaring on the "record player" Pierce College students loved the challenge of the Limbo. Brother in this photo is not known.  Image 2400

 

Br. Brent Brody was the Beta Chapter Limbo champ in the Spring of 1961. Wonder if he could manage this 50 years later in 2011.  Photo 2401 - Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley.

PRESENTATION OF PLEDGE PADDLE SEPT. 1961

 Past President of the Beta Chapter of Phi Delta Psi Fraternity at Pierce College, Jerry J. Hillard greets the newly accepted members from the Pledge Class of Spring 1961. To his left is Br. LeRoy Hunt and to the right is the Founder of the Fraternity, Br. Donald B. Taggart. (Photo no. 2237)

 Newly initiated Brother Brent Brody presents the Spring 1961 pledge paddle to the President of Beta Chapter, Br. Donald Collins. Note the black ritual candle burning before the podium. (2238)

 The first unveiling of the Spring 1961 Pledge paddle.  Handsome plaques were introduced into the Fraternity by the Mother Chapter Pledge Class of Fall 1957. They contained the names of each new Brother, a symbol of the Class' spirit and used the colors black and gold. They also represented the fact that paddling of pledges was unacceptable in the Phi Delta Psi.  (photo 2239)

 Founder Don Taggart salutes the newly accepted Brothers of the Fraternity in the Beta Chapter. These photographs were donated to the Archives of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley in 2009 by Brother Jerry Berns. (photo number 2240)

Admiring the latest Pledge plaque of Beta Chapter. Note that Br. Donald Collins is wearing the Presidential white yoke of office. This symbolic yoke is still worn at reunions of Phi Delta Psi. (photo 2241)

This is a very faded photograph from the Acceptance Banquet of Spring 1961.  (photo 2242)

PhI DELTA PSI FUNERAL PARTY

Jerry Hilliard and Jack Smith lead the funeral procession at the Omega Chi Omega Patty Murphy's Wake Party 1961. I think Louie Syre brings up the rear.

Brother Kit Slayter gets very serious with an Omega Chi Omega sister Bonnie Popoff. Br. Brent Brodie at the left finds it hard to keep a straight face. This photo's number is OCO-5-61

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Photos are in the Phi Delta Psi Archive of The Museum of the San Fernando Valley - 2008