Lenny Brooke
90 years old
The former owner of Southern Packing Corporation, Lenny Brooke has been married to Ellie for 63 years and is nearly as active as ever. His son, Jeffrey Brooke says, “Even now after my father has turned 90, he still calls on a few customers from Southern Packing Corporation and goes out to the plant in Chesapeake to make sure Ronnie and Todd (his cousins, to whom he sold the business) “don’t screw it up.”
He has three grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Jewish News: How did you celebrate your milestone birthday?
Lenny Brooke: We celebrated at my son, Jeff’s, house. We had a deluxe meal with two of our grandchildren and four of our great-grandchildren. One grandchild lives in Israel with his family and couldn’t join us.
JN: How do you spend your days?
LB: I still deliver Meals on Wheels. I meet with friends and play golf. My wife, Ellie, and I do many things together.
JN: What are you grateful for?
LB: I am grateful to be alive! I feel good and have no old age characteristics; I get up and go. Ellie and I are very fortunate to be so active for our ages.
JN: What was your favorite decade?
LB: The best decade was the 60’s. We got married in 1961 and those were our early married years.
JN: What words of wisdom would you like to pass on?
LB: I am thankful for my wife and my good health and welfare. We celebrate Judaism together. We are ambulatory and active.
