Brian Brooks

TO SEE THE RECORDING OF BRIAN'S SERVICE, PLEASE CLICK HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_S5U5jL-vw

Brian Alan Brooks, age 71, of Quakertown, Pennsylvania, died peacefully at home on Thursday, October 13, 2022, holding the hand of his loving wife, Cindy, with whom he shared 33 years of marriage.  He fought the good fight, took that hill, and finished the race with dignity and grace.

Born in Elmira, NY, he was a son of the late James W. Brooks and the late Betty (Walsh) Brooks.  Brian’s family resided in Bradford County, PA, on a hillside in the country with views of the Endless Mountains all around.

Brian graduated from SRU High School in East Smithfield, PA, earned an associate degree in Criminal Justice from Corning Community College, NY, a Bachelor of Science degree from Elmira College, NY, and a master’s degree in Education from Lehigh University, PA.  He also completed training and coursework to become a licensed polygraph examiner.  Further, he became a licensed real estate professional.

He proudly served our country in the U.S. Navy.

Brian’s career was largely spent in law enforcement.  After relocating to Bucks County in the 1970s, he worked several jobs until becoming employed by the County of Bucks, beginning with a position at the Youth Center and then as an intake juvenile probation officer for a number of years.  He left the County in the late 1980s to venture into selling real estate which he did until 1995.  Subsequently, he was hired by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Board of Probation and Parole, as a state parole officer.  He was promoted several times over the course of 20 years, the last five serving as a parole hearing examiner.  He retired from the Commonwealth in 2015.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, archery, golf, and the great outdoors.  He was a lifelong fan (make that fanatic) of the New York Yankees and New York Giants, making trips with family and friends to many baseball games over the years.  He planted flower and vegetable gardens, enjoyed deer and pheasant hunting and fishing trips with longtime friends.  He was a student of life with a keen interest in American history.  In 1994, he got involved with Civil War re-enacting as a private in the 83rd Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry re-enacting unit.  The following year, he joined Company A of the 5th New York Duryea Zouaves, having been so intrigued by the uniform of those “Red Devils” that he just had to sign up.  He loved taking part in battle re-enactments, conducting living history programs, absorbing and immersing himself in the study of military history, and spending many years around the campfire with his “pards.”  All of these hobbies provided him with comradeship and lasting friendships which he would often recall with great fondness.  Brian had a sense of humor that had us all in hysterics, whether he was telling a joke, playing a practical joke, or coming out with some hilarious one-liner off the top of his head.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Heather (Eric) Margerum, and his stepsons, Jesse Mirth of Quakertown, PA, and Steve (Tara) Mirth of Hatboro, PA, and by his grandchildren, Brandy, David, Scott, and Nathan.  He is also survived by his older brother, Dennis (Dialma) Brooks of Houston, TX, and many nieces, nephews, and in-laws.  Special recognition goes to Rachel and Nancy who loved and helped care for Brian the past few years, as well as everyone from Bayada Hospice, especially Simer, Liz, and Jamie.

He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Jim Brooks, and his sister Bonnie Wilcox.

You are invited to visit with Brian’s family and friends from 9:00-11:00AM Saturday, October 29, 2022, at Naugle Funeral & Cremation Service, Ltd. 135 W. Pumping Station Rd. Quakertown, PA 18951.  His Life Celebration Service will follow at 11:00AM.  Interment will be held privately.  Contributions in his memory may be made to the Gettysburg Foundation, 1195 Baltimore Pike, Gettysburg, PA 17325; the American Battlefield Trust, 1156 15th Street NW, Suite 900, Washington, DC 20005; Forgotten Felines and Fidos, PO Box 62, Germansville, PA 18053; or any favorite charity of choice.

Arrangements are by Naugle Funeral & Cremation Serivce, Ltd  ( 215-536-3343 ). To view his online obituary, please visit www.nauglefcs.com