Donald Broadnick: Amityville native & local historian

Lifetime Amityville resident Donald Edward Broadnick, considered by many the village's unofficial historian because he knew so much about the area, died September 8, 2006 at New Island Hospital in Bethpage. He was 93 years old.

Born to Calymor H. and Ellen (Scurlock) on November 7, 1912, he lived on Sprague Avenue and later graduated from Amityville schools. He was also a Boy Scout under Fred Devine. He worked for Brunswick Hospital Louden Hall, Powell Brothers Mayflower Moving Company and The Pennsylvania Rail Road as a Pullman Porter, the latter of which he worked for until his retirement. He was one of the first members of the "Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters," which was started by A. Philip Randolph. Although not in the military, he helped on the homefront during World War II by transporting troops all over the country.

He was considered a historian, said his daughter, Marjorie, because "he knew everyone and everything. Whenever someone had questions, they always came to him," she said.

Mr. Broadnick was an active lifetime member of the Bethel A.M.E. Church and The Doric Masonic Lodge of Hempstead. In his spare time, he loved to ballroom dance and putter in his garden.

Mr. Broadnick leaves behind his daughter: Marjorie Ellen Johnson and her husband Robert; his grandchildren: Gregory Allen Johnson, Gay Darnell Mitchell, Robert Darren Johnson and Dominic Vance Johnson; his great grandchildren: Jequetta Johnson, Donitra Johnson and Gregory Allen Johnson, Jr; his great great granddaughter, Mica Laura Johnson; his brother, Carlton; his cousin, Wilda Scurlock Brewster; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other loved ones and many friends. He was predeceased by his wife Otis Travis of 73 years, and his son, Donald Alvin.

Rev. Val Slater officiated at a funeral service at Powell Funeral Home, 65 Broadway, Amityville, on September 15, 2006 followed by interment in Amityville Cemetery.