Saratoga Springs — It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Regis Brodie on October 10, 2024, at his home and with his loving family by his side. Regis was born on November 19, 1942, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to the late Walter and Anne Brodie.
During his life, Regis gave all of himself in everything he did. He was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, and so much more. He believed that true fulfillment and success in life was to be found in the journey, using those moments along the way to positively impact others. He saw every such moment as an opportunity, and his impact has been profound.
He met the love of his life, Becky (Wilhelm), whom he would always call his “sun, moon and stars”, when they were teenagers in 1958. They were married on July 4, 1964, while Regis was still a student at the Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He earned his B.S. in Art Education and his M.Ed. in Art Education from there in 1965 and 1966 respectively. He then went on to receive his M.F.A. from Tyler School of Art of Temple University in 1969. That same year, he and Becky moved to Saratoga Springs where he began what would become a more than 41-year tenure as Professor of Art at Skidmore College. During most of that time (35 years), Regis also served as the Director of the Summer SIX Art Program.
Upon his retirement from Skidmore College in 2010, he was awarded the honorary title of Professor Emeritus in recognition of his distinguished career.
Regis always believed that art could bring people joy. He was passionate about it and loved to teach others, regardless of their age or ability. In addition to those students enrolled at the college, he also taught children at the Arts Center in downtown Saratoga Springs, and adults during night classes offered to non-traditional students. He could see that everyone had potential, and he was a master at helping them harness it.
As an artist, Regis created an incredible volume of work, consisting of paintings, sculptures and vessels, which have earned countless awards and are included in museum collections throughout the world including, among others, Museo de Ceramica in Barcelona, Spain; Musee National de la Ceramique in Sevres, France; Potteries Museum and Art Gallery in Stoke-on-Trent, England; National Museum & Galleries of Wales in Cardiff, Wales; Raccolta Internazionale D’Arte Ceramica Contemporanea in Faenza, Italy. He also lectured extensively, appeared at both juried and invitational exhibitions, published numerous articles, had his work included in national and international periodicals, and even authored a book.
Above all else, though, Regis loved his family. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren and always ensured they knew how much they were loved and valued. He also taught them to appreciate life’s journey and to always seize those moments along the way.
He is survived by his beloved wife of more than 60 years, Becky Brodie; daughters, Laura Ellor (Jay); Ellen Brodie; Courtney DeLeonardis (Vincent); son Bradford Brodie; and grandchildren, Tyler Ellor (Kristen); Mackenzie Ellor (Gaetano-Junior Del Corpo); Dylan Ellor (Ashley); Madison Trapp; Skyler Trapp; Sydney DeLeonardis; Avery DeLeonardis and Mason DeLeonardis.
Relatives and friends are invited to call from 3:00pm-7:00pm on Thursday, October 17, 2024 at William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
A Liturgy of the word will be celebrated at 11:00am on Friday, October 18, 2024 at St. Clements Church, 231 Lake Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
