ROCHESTER - Jerry R. Brooks, 67, of Rochester, NH, passed away at Bellamy Fields Assisted Living on Wednesday, August 19, following a period of declining health. Born in Rochester on October 17, 1958, to Muriel (Gray) Baxter and the late Robert Brooks Jr., Jerry remained a lifelong resident of his hometown.
After graduating from Spaulding High School, Jerry honorably served four years in the U.S. Navy. He then dedicated 36 years to the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard before retiring. Giving back to his community, Jerry also served as a Call Firefighter for the Rochester Fire Department from 1982 until the early 1990s, proudly achieving the rank of Lieutenant.
A man who embraced life's simple pleasures, Jerry was an avid hunter and fisherman in his earlier years. He especially treasured the many hunting trips with his grandfather and uncles. Jerry enjoyed all sports and found great joy in coaching the boys' basketball team for Rochester Catholic. He cherished the many laughs and memories made during the annual family vacations in York Beach, Maine. He took great pleasure in traveling with friends and family visiting casinos and heading to local fairs to watch harness racing. He was also a dedicated viewer of the sport on the RTN racetrack network. Jerry was a proud member of the Elks Lodge 1393 and the American Legion Post 07.
Jerry is survived by his loving family, including his mother and stepfather, Muriel and Roland Baxter; his stepmother, Joanne Brooks, and mother-in-law, Irene Godin. He leaves behind his children: Aaron Brooks (husband Wesley Seavey), Adam Brooks (wife Marjorie), Adriana Brooks, stepdaughter Tyler Marcoux (partner Patrick Bazinet), stepdaughter Mikenna Marcoux, and stepson Ryan Stafford (wife Sarah). He was a loving grandfather to Amaya Brooks, Xander Brooks, and Levi Philbrook. Jerry will also be missed by his sisters, Debra Stanley and Michelle ( husband Pat) Couch, his sister-in-law Norene Smith, uncle Peter Brooks, and many cherished nieces and nephews.
Jerry was predeceased by his beloved wife, Elizabeth A. (Godin) Brooks; his father, Robert Brooks Jr.; and his brother-in-law, William Stanley.
A New Hampshire Press Association member