Norman J. Broski, 88 of Wheeling, WV, passed away peacefully with his family on May, 8th 2026.
Raised on Merritt Street, he grew up in South Wheeling picking up odd jobs from an early age. After leaving Klieves Lumber Company as a teenager, he began a career as a truck driver, working for several major motor freight companies. Being a local driver afforded him the opportunity to visit most of the local manufacturing industries, the advantage of which was to ask questions and learn. Something he never stopped loving to do up to his last moments.
His interests and passions took him in many directions over the course of his life. From the hands on building of his home, the extensive hand laid stone walls and patio, the concrete in ground pool everyone recommended wouldn’t work, the solar panels he designed and fabricated which provided heat for the pool as well at potable hot water in the home.
He spent years dreaming up and constructing lovely pieces of wood working beauty. He worked mostly in walnut, his favorite wood, much of which he recovered from felled trees in local forests. He changed course and entered the car restoration world, where together with his son, he restored 3 award winning automobiles.
While visiting family in Texas, he stumbled across a classified for a “weird little” car for sale. This was his first 1959 Vespa 400 automobile, from the scooter company of today. And odd it was, which was a hallmark of his personality. He always loved the unique. As many parts were unavailable, he began manufacturing them for himself, ultimately leading to a business supplying these specialty items to fellow Vespa owners literally around the globe. Hungary, France, the UK, Israel, New Zealand and more. He became known, respected and loved by much of the Micro/Mini car world.
Equal to his ingenuity and resourcefulness was his willingness to help anyone in need. He loved making people laugh and smile. A favorite past time was letting children sit in his cars at shows, blowing the horn and pretending to drive. Always providing a grinning photo op the parents and grandparents.
He was preceded in death by his father John Broski, mother Stella Broski, brothers Melvin and George and sister Dorothy. He leaves behind his wife Ruth of 69 years, son Steve, granddaughter Allison Broski and family and granddaughter Jessica Broski-Birch and family.
We invite those who loved and laughed with Norman Broski to join us at Kepner’s Funeral Home 2101 Warwood Ave. Tuesday from 3:00 – 6:30 pm, with tribute and shared memories at 5:00 pm. Friends and loved ones are welcome to meet at Kepner’s Funeral Home, 2101 Warwood Ave. Wednesday at 11:15 am for the procession to the cemetery followed by a reception open to all. See family for details.
