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CONWAY - David "Brooksie" D. Brooks of Conway, 66, died on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013, at Elaine Care Center in Hadley, MA, in the arms of his loving family, after a long and courageous battle with lung cancer.
Dave was born on April 23, 1947 in Northampton. He grew up in Florence, the son of the late Philip S. Brooks and the late Virginia (Baird) Moriarty. He attended local schools and Northampton High School.
David proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps with the 3rd Marine Division during the Vietnam War. As friends and family will attest, the discipline and patriotism he learned in the Marines never left him.
After the war, he became a meat-cutter and worked in several area supermarkets. In the late 1970's, he eventually became co-owner of his own store, Rogers & Brooks Meat Market in South Deerfield. His success in business can be directly attributed to his work ethic. His attention to detail was legendary. He took pride in the fact that he always left his customers satisfied.
Dave was a loving and generous man. He always believed that "it was better to give than to receive." With that belief, Dave volunteered his services helping other veterans at the VA Medical Center in Leeds and with the Disabled American Veterans. When his sons were growing up, he was an Assistant Boy Scout Leader for Conway. He was also a member of the Marine Corps League in Bernardston, the VFW in Florence, the Third Marine Division, New England Chapter, and the DAV in Greenfield.
David was an avid Boston sports fan and most enjoyed watching the Patriots. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, reading, fishing and tending to his lawn and garden. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a quick wit. Brooksie will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
Dave will forever be remembered as a devoted husband and father.
Mr. Brooks is survived by his wife of 35 years, Diane "Dee" (Kennedy) Brooks; his two sons: Brian J. Brooks and his girlfriend, Ashley Millward of Shelburne Falls and Daniel T. Brooks and his wife, Lorin of Medway, MA, and a sister, Linda Merriam of Florence. He leaves behind his loving sisters-in law, Ellen (Kennedy) Langford and her husband Jim of Portland, Maine, and Patricia (Kennedy) Newcombe and her husband Tod of Longmeadow, MA. He also leaves behind two granddaughters and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday Oct. 12th at the Drozdal Funeral Home in Northampton at 1 p.m.
Calling hours will be from 11 a.m. till time of the service. Burial will be private with Military Honors at the Veterans Cemetery in Agawam at a later date.
Our family would like to thank Dr. David McGrath of Greenfield and Dr. Alexander Fuld of White River JCT, VT, both of the VA Medical System, and to Dr. Geoffrey Shapiro and Dr. John Hilton of the Dana Farber Cancer Institute for their wonderful and compassionate care given to David during his illness. We would also like to thank The Cancer Connection and the Elaine Care Center for their loving care to Dave.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of David D. Brooks to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168, The Cancer Connection, Inc., 41 Locust St., Northampton MA 01060 or to the Wounded Warrior Project at 4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300, Jacksonville, Fla. 32256.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Thinking about you Dee...watching the Patriot's game now playing against Tom Brady, and wondering what Dave would be thinking... love you Dee!
Love,
Sue
Sue Flynn AKA Chathammom
October 3, 2021
Beak,
Vaya Con Dios, Marine.
Semper Fi,
Winfield & Nancy Spear
October 16, 2013
Dave will be greatly missed in our Saban Rd neighborhood. Our neighbor of more than 30 years, he was always there to lend a helping hand and enjoyed keeping the neighborhood neat and well mowed. Our condolences to his entire family, especially Diane, Brian and Dan. Love and Prayers. A True Patriot.
Bill and Sue Yeadon
October 15, 2013
Dave will be greatly missed in our Saban Rd neighborhood. A neighbor of over 30 years, he was always there to lend a helping hand and enjoyed keeping our neighborhood neat and well mowed. Our condolences to his family entire family, especially Diane, Brian and Dan. Love and Prayers
Bill and Suasn Yeadon
October 15, 2013
I first met Dave and Dee at Camp LeJeune. My wife Celeste and I were there to welcome back our good friends and neighbors Jeanne and Peter's son Ben home from his second Iraq tour. Dave knowing Jeanne and Peter immediately introduced himself and Dee.
Over the next few years we seldom missed the chance to get together at Jeanne and Peters'. I had been a cancer patient for a number of years and Dave I took the opportunity to share cancer war stories. We became “cancer warriors”. His advice was always “FIGHT, FIGHT, FIGHT”. That was typical Dave.
Thus, Dave, until we meet again I will always remember you and never forget the fight.
October 12, 2013
dave and i became friends when we both worked at big y,many years ago.we entered the service at about the same time and continued our friendship after.fond memories of football games at phils house,trips to deweys cider mill and a hundred other things we loved.i am extremely sorry for your loss i will miss him a lot
charlie handschuh
October 11, 2013
Forever in our hearts we will hold the many memories that David has left us with. Rest peacefully David. God bless Diane, Brian &Ashley.
Suzanne Kelley
October 11, 2013
Linda, all our sympathies are with you and your family at this time. We grew up with your family many years ago on North Farms Road, and have always considered your family, our family... May Dave rest in peace. Stephen and Debbie Bond
October 11, 2013
I am greatly saddened by the news of
David's passing. I served in the same rifle company in Vietnam with David. To us he was "Beak,"and he was our brother. It was a brotherhood, as Stephen Crane once wrote, "born of smoke and fire and fear of death."
Beak, I will miss you the remaining days of my life, as I have missed all of the Marines that we have lost from our company over the last forty-six years. You fought the fight and kept the faith when so many chose to avoid service. You remained Always Faithful!
Kenneth Hicks
October 10, 2013
Diane, so sorry to hear about David's passing. He is in heaven now and not suffering any longer. He put up a good fight. Our prayers are with you and your family. Jay and Peg Mapel, Wesley Chapel, FL
October 10, 2013
Diane, Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. May God give you the strength to carry on during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
We love you.
Rose & Ray Kelley
Rose Kelley
October 9, 2013
I served in Vietnam with Beak. He was a brave Marine in combat and showed his bravery again while battling his cancer.
Semper Fidelis my friend.
Ray Kelley
Ray Kelley
October 9, 2013
Rest in peace cousin David. You deserve a rest, you fought a hard fight and never gave up. Love to you and your family.
Judy Baird Snook
October 9, 2013
Dee, My heartfelt condolences to you and your family for your loss! May your Beloved husband R.I.P. Sending lots of love and HUGS!
Penny Burdick
October 9, 2013
Brooksie was my brother Don Nutting's best friend growing up. I wanted to write to extend my condolences to your family. He fought the good fight. May he find peace now.
Nancy (Nutting) Donnis
October 9, 2013
My Papa, forever in my heart. <3
Ashley Millward
October 9, 2013
Diane, So sorry to hear about Dave. Our prayers are with you for the strength that only God can give during this time.
Pete & Martha McCarthy
October 9, 2013
So sorry to hear of your loss. David was a wonderful man, so full of life and spirit. I haven't seen him in a while but I have certainly missed him. God speed my friend.
Debra Sjodahl
October 9, 2013
God-speed my friend. I'll see you on the other side. May God Bless your family and friends during these saddeend days.
Jack "Doc" Delta 1/3 DePope
October 9, 2013
Dear Dee
how shocked I was when I opened my e-mail May God be with you my friend granting you peace and comfort now and always .Even though I don't know you personally I feel that I know you .Blessings and peace Bea
October 8, 2013
In deepest sympathy for the loss of David, a childhood friend of mine and my sister's. We, David, Linda, my sister Cheryl, and I played together as kids on N. Farms Rd. His photo in uniform is a wonderful remembrance for me. God bless all of his family in this most difficult time.
Sandy Bond Smith
October 8, 2013
I am so very sorry for your loss, may he now rest in peace.
sharon Baryk
October 8, 2013
Our prayers are with your family at this time of celebration of the wonderful life Dave shared with you. God bless you.
Perry & Nancy Gossett
October 8, 2013
Diane and family, I want to express my sympathies to you both. I will always remember Dave as a special person and his good sense of humor. I will miss him.
Barbara Brooks
October 8, 2013
Dee and family,
we are so sorry for Dave's passing. We feel so honored to have been a part of his life. Our prayers of strength will always be with you. The love and blessings you and Dave shared will live on in your hearts forever.
all our love...Di and Gary
diane macdonald
October 8, 2013
Dee and Family:
The battle is over, your marine is now at peace. He fought the good fight as he did serving our country. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Dee and your family. Bill and Carol West Springfield.
Bill Rice
October 8, 2013
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Larry Smith
October 8, 2013
Praying for you and your family for continued strength during this time. Dave will forever be with you in your heart & soul. RIP David
Regina Porter
October 8, 2013
I love you David!
ellen langford
October 8, 2013
Rest In Peace Cousin David
Robert Baird
October 8, 2013
To the Family our sincerest condolences.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you as you try to cope with the loss of such a beloved Husband, Father, and Grandfather.
We always thought a lot of Dave. He was a great individual, a true proud Marine who loved our Country & was very proud of all of us Veterans.
Deane & Maria Taylor New England Chapter Third Marine Division Association
October 8, 2013
Dee,
We are so sorry to hear of David's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. We will be forever thankful to David (and you) for the support and information that you provided to us while our son was in the Marine Corp. May your memories help you through this most difficult time.
Sincerely,
Karen & Dave Sucharzewski
October 8, 2013
Dear Dee, Brian & Ashley, None of us wanted this day to come,least of all your Dad. He fought the courageous fight with all of you at his side. He had no time for pity; his time was focused on the good fight! He wanted to stay with the people he loved & respected for as long as he could. As a Vietnam vet, he knew how precious life was & he lived it fully-with integrity & humor. The world is a much better place for having Dave in it. Although I am saddened by the loss of this "salt of the earth" man, I can't help but smile when I think of him. Proudly continue the legacy left by your husband, Dad & Papa! Keep smiling-you know he is now bringing smiles to all who have gone before him! SEMPER FI, DAVE!
With love, Jan
Jan Caswell
October 8, 2013
Dee, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Dave was a great guy who will be missed by so many. Barb and Peter
Barb Wozniak
October 8, 2013
Semper FI Marine
R.I.P
My Brother in Arms
Ed Garland
October 8, 2013
Ron and I are very saddened to hear of Brooksie's passing. Another good Marine and wonderful person has left us but with many wonderful memories. Dee and family you are in our thoughts and prayers as Dave will always be.
Katie/Ron Matuszko
October 8, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of David's passing. I met David many years ago through his mother Ginny. Later I met his sister Linda. I recently lost my husband to lung cancer so I know how tough it was for David and his entire family. Rest in Peace.
Gail Kurgan McKenna
October 8, 2013
Dear Uncle Dave, may you be at peace at long last. All my love
Laura Merriam Vitkus
October 8, 2013
May you rest in peace now Dave, you fought a long hard battle. Such a strong man. You will be missed by all who knew you. May God be with you and your family. With loving thought's Shirley Trombley An old friend from Conway
Shirley Trombley
October 8, 2013
God Bless you, Uncle Dave. Rest in Peace and Semper Fidelis.
Robert Supinski
October 8, 2013
Our hearts go out to you and your family; God bless you in your sorrow.
Joan Gessing
October 8, 2013
Sue Flynn
October 8, 2013
Thanks for everything Dave. We love you and we will miss you!
Love,
Sue and Matt
October 8, 2013
Dee I am so sorry for your loss our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family.
Sean & Rachael Stewart
October 8, 2013
RIP Dave.....
Tim Maginnis
October 8, 2013
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