Robert A. Brooks

ROTTERDAM - Robert A. Brooks, 86, passed away peacefully on July 5th, 2010 at the home of his son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter, James and Beverly Brooks and Rhianon, with the help of Hospice of Schenectady County.
Robert previously lived with his son Brian Brooks for over a decade. Brian lovingly committed himself to his father's care for many years.
Robert was born in Lockport, NY. He was the son of the late Clyde and Mildred Brooks and the dedicated husband of the late Elizabeth (Betty) Brooks.
Robert began his working career when he was a teen as a chicken farmer. He was a graduate of Lockport High school and went on to serve as a Radio Operator on a B-17 in the Army Air Corp. during WWII. Upon returning home he continued his education, graduating from Emerson College in Boston. In the 1940's Robert committed himself as a Boy Scout leader and an active member of the First Baptist Church of Lockport. In the 1950's Robert committed himself to the elite group of Masons for several years. He also worked several jobs, including, Radio Announcer, Real Estate Salesperson and he became co-owner of Brooks Construction Co. with his pre deceased brother Clyde Brooks. While living in Geneva in the 1960's he was the president of the Chamber of Commerce, a founder of it's National Lake Trout Derby and Store Manager of Montgomery Ward. He began his 25 year career with Montgomery Ward while living in Lockport. Upon his retirement from Montgomery Ward in Menands, NY in the 1980's he went on to a manager position with Color Tile in Albany, NY and retired from this position in 1992. During the 90's Robert became an active member of the 8th Air Force Group out of Scotia, NY.
Robert is survived by five children, Gayle (predeceased, Walt) Wlodkowski, Rob and Karen Brooks, Jeff and Judy Brooks, Brian Brooks, Jim and Beverly Brooks, his "5th son" nephew, Dana and Barb Brooks; his grandchildren, Keith (Kim) Kosakoski, Kraig Brooks, Kelly (Josh) Brooks, Rhianon Brooks and his great-grandson, Griffin Kosakoski. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Dona Brooks and nephews, Braden Brooks and Don Brooks. Robert was predeceased by his brothers, Clyde Brooks, Jr. and Raymond Brooks.
Funeral services will be held at 9:00 a.m. Saturday at New Comer Cannon Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd. Colonie (Rt. 155-south of Central Ave.). Interment will follow at Memory Gardens in Colonie. Calling hours will be held on Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Community Hospice of Schenectady, 1411 Union St., Schenectady, NY 12308 in memory of Robert A. Brooks.