Obituary of Thomas Brooks

Thomas S. Brooks, 89, formerly of Poughkeepsie, NY, and recently the V.A. Hudson Valley Health Care System, Castle Point, passed peacefully into God's hands on June 4th, 2014. He was born on February 25, 1925 and was the son of Thomas and Catherine (Smith) Brooks. His grandmother Mary Brooks and Aunt Marian Brooks raised him. Tom graduated from Carmel High School in 1943. He proudly served in the navy as a pharmacist's mate second class navy Construction Battalion (NCB Seabees) during World War II from 1943-1946. After the war Tom became a licensed practical nurse. He did private duty nursing. Tom enjoyed traveling all over the world, taking many cruises. He made friends wherever he went. He loved visiting museums and going to Broadway shows. Tom knew his way around New York City like the back of his hand. Tom was an avid reader and an historical buff. He was interested in genealogy and family roots, with one of his sayings being, "In order to know where we are, we need to know where we came from." Tom is survived by several cousins: Mary Folster of Milton; Lori Allen of Poughkeepsie; Goddaughter, Christine Sickler of Olive Bridge; Barbara Haan of LaGrange; and Charles Brooks of Tampa, Florida. He is also survived by nieces Andrea Froehlich and Regina Bradford, both of Florida; and nephew Mark McCarthy of Cape Vincent, NY. His sister Eileen McCarthy, and brother John Casey predeceased him, as well as his cousins Charles Allen and Charles Brooks. He leaves behind many lifelong friends. The family wishes to thank the V.A. Medical Hospital for their dedicated care during his illness, especially Christina Hrynyk, Dietician. Many thanks to George and Karen Aposporos for their kindness and frequent visits. To sum up his life Tom was a gentle, compassionate, humble man who was well-respected and well-loved by his family and friends. One of his greatest legacies was his gift to touch so many lives with his wisdom and unconditional love. There are no calling hours. Tom will be cremated with interment of ashes held at Fishkill Rural Cemetery, at the convenience of the family.