Benjamin L. Brooks

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University of New Mexico

Benjamin Brooks Obituary

Benjamin L. Brooks
of Johnson City, Tenn.
Benjamin L. Brooks, 69, of Johnson City, Tennessee passed away on September 26, 2008. Dr. Brooks was born in Binghamton, New York. He attended the University of New Mexico where he received his Doctorate and also played basketball. Dr. Brooks was a professor at several universities, including Louisiana State University and Appalachian State. His latest accomplishment was founding Bendell Services Inc., an area Alcohol and Drug Rehabilitation Center. Dr. Brooks was a loving and devoted husband, father, friend, brother, and grandfather. He was an avid sports fan, coaching several young men's local basketball teams. He is survived by his wife of twenty-three years, Dr. Martha D. Collins; three daughters: Kelly Brooks Smith, Miami, Fla., Erin Brooks, Tulare County, Calif., and Courtney Brooks. Also two sons: Leigh Brooks, Hood River, Oreg., and Collin Brooks. Dr. Brooks is also survived by his sister, Jeanne Cordisco and husband Tony Cordisco, Binghamton, N.Y., as well as two granddaughters and several nieces and nephews.
Services will be at a later date and plan to be private. However, they will accept visitors Sunday afternoon from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the families' home, 4107 Sioux Drive, in Johnson City. Memories and Condolences may be shared with the family and viewed at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com or faxed to 423-610-7177. Arrangements for the Brooks family are in the care of Tetrick Funeral Services, 3001 Peoples Street, Johnson City, Tennessee 37604, 423-610-7171.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Press & Sun-Bulletin on Sep. 28, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Benjamin Brooks

10 Entries

Patti Howell

October 15, 2008

I am so sorry to have just heard of Dr. Brook's passing. I was so fortunate to have had Dr. Brooks as a teacher for three courses at Tusculum. Our last class "Assessment" which was back in April was so much fun, we had a party and I took a photo of him and myself together. Dr. Brooks was one of the smartest men I knew and I learned so much from him during the time I had him for a professor. If I had known of his passing, I would have come to his funeral, I would have loved to have met his family that he so often talked about. My love and prayers are sent your way, I know you will truly miss this legend of a man.

Al DiLascia

October 1, 2008

To the Family of Ben Brooks

I first remember Ben when he played Little League Baseball where he was a good player ( I think it was for the Elks Cub) and his name became known in the sports world of Binghamton, NY. In high school I was in many of his classes and we got to know each other pretty well. He was an excellent basketball player in high school and later in college…and a very cool customer that never got rattled. I can remember one game in high school against Union Endicott where the game was on the line and he just went up and sank his free throws as easy as can be and won the game.

After college we kind of hung around together and had many laughs and a lot of fun. He then went off and got his graduate degrees, moved out of the area and we kind of lost track of each other. I was so glad, however, that I got to see him at our 50th high school reunion where we had a chance to talk and kind of get re-acquainted after many years.

I was shocked and saddened to hear about his passing. He was one of the legends of Binghamton and will be missed by all. This morning I went to Mass, lit a candle, and said a prayer for him.

My condolences to all his family and friends. He was extraordinary and made something out of himself from humble beginnings. Most importantly, he made a contribution to this life.

Abby Marcum

October 1, 2008

To The Brooks Family: I received an email today from a past coworker and was so shaken when I opened and read of Ben's passing. I moved to NC five years ago and only saw Ben twice, bumping into him at Sam's with Collin while shopping for my daughter's wedding. I am so glad that occured. . . Ben was so good to me, he taught me so much, and helped me grow professionally and personally. I met Ben while working at the Dawn of Hope and then he assisted me when I was ready to spread my wings a bit in the community. By reading the previous entries, Icabod finally makes sense. My thoughts are with you all, he always spoke so highly of each and every one of the children,- and always had a great story about you to share, and kind of smiled when he spoke of Marth's accomplishments - I loved hearing stories of when you all were dating. . made my heart feel good. Thanks for sharing such a wonderful man who was such a giver to us all.

Dorothy Schalles English

September 30, 2008

I knew Ben thru many years of school and we were co Treasures for our Senior class. He always made me smile.

Mary Ellen Meskell

September 30, 2008

To the members of the Brooks family,
I grew up next door to Sandy, Jeannie and Benny for the first 16 years of my life until we all had to move when our homes were bought by the state for the construction of route 81. Seeing his photograph and reading his obituary truly saddened me. They brought back so many memories of life on Moffatt Ave. when life was so much simpler. My friends and I were fixtures on my front porch where we would have the stereo going, hoping that Benny and his friends would show up on his porch - Ernie Carpenter, Frank Parasiliti, Sharkey and the like. I know we drove them crazy being 8 years younger and silly. Benny put up with us, teased us and was always very nice...and very funny.
He was a great neighbor and he accomplished so many great things in his life.
I am so sorry for your loss.

Ernie Giordani

September 29, 2008

I still see "Icabad" under the boards fighting for rebounds and dukin' the ball at North. He did well in life. Too soon gone, Bennie!

Jeff Bartholomew

September 29, 2008

As BNHS yearbook photographer, I took a lot of pictures of Ben during our three years there. I have always rememberd him fondly and send my deep condlences to his large and wonderful family.

Albert Otto

September 29, 2008

Dear Martha and Family,
I grew up with Ben on the Northside of Binghamton playing whiffle ball in a friend's driveway days on end.
I am so sorry to hear of his passing but I thoroughly enjoyed seeing and talking to him at the 50th reunion. I was totally impressed with his academic achievements following North High School. He was a close boyhood friend and I will keep him in my prayers.

Jim Needham

September 28, 2008

Dear Martha and Family,

I was stunned to hear of Ben’s passing today. I was a basketball teammate who always admired his athletic skills. I was pleasantly surprised when he attended our 50th reunion in 2007 and had a wonderful conversation with him. It was the first time we had talked since 1957 and it brought back the old days. I consider him a remarkable person. You, your family and his friends have my deepest sympathy.

Jim
James P Needham
455 E. Suffolk Drive
Tucson, AZ 85704-7132
(520) 742-7361
E-mail [email protected]
September 28, 2008

Gary Ennis

September 28, 2008

To Martha and the children,

I was a high school basketball teammate of Ben's. He surprised me at the reunion last year, and we had a wonderful chat. He was a great guy, and well-liked back here by his Binghamton friends. I am so sorry for your loss. May you find strength in celebrating his life.

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