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MIchael Brooks Obituary
Brooks, who scored 2,628 points during his standout career at La Salle University (then La Salle College) after starring at West Catholic High School, suffered a massive stroke Monday during a hospital stay near his home in Switzerland, his sister Aleta Arthurs said in a phone interview.
Brooks had aplastic anemia, a syndrome that attacks the bone marrow and immune system. It was diagnosed in 2011, and he had entered the hospital late last week for a bone-marrow transplant to treat his condition. His body rejected the transplant, his sister said, and he suffered a small stroke on Sunday that precipitated the more severe one he suffered Monday.
A 6-foot-7 forward with spectacular speed and leaping ability, Brooks was named the NCAA Kodak national player of the year for the 1979-80 season, when he averaged 24.1 points and 11.5 rebounds a game for the Explorers, and was named the captain of the 1980 United States Olympic men's basketball team. The team never competed in the Olympics because of President Jimmy Carter's decision to boycott the Moscow Games in response to the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan.
After playing six seasons in the NBA, Brooks moved to France in 1988 to play professionally and lived in Europe thereafter, working most recently as a coach with the Blonay Basketball Club in Switzerland. He had declined to stay in contact with his alma mater, many friends, and most members of the Philadelphia basketball community over that time.
He last spoke to his sister on Friday, when he asked her to call him back on Monday so he could wish her a happy 50th birthday. A funeral will be held in Switzerland, and Arthurs said that she and her family would attempt to arrange a memorial service at La Salle.
"To me, he was a light," Arthurs said. "I was always very protective of him, and I always will be. He will be missed in our family, very missed."
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@MikeSielski
83 Entries
abdul abdurhakim
July 9, 2025
my condolences to the family mercy
Edward Owen
July 6, 2025
RIP Michael For what it is worth you were the best college basketball player that I ever saw
Antoinette Holliday
January 8, 2025
Sorry for the loss of a great man. I know your with uncle Rudy now. But it was a pleasure having you as family. Love you Toni.
Diane Williams
January 4, 2025
Michael and I was friends when he played in San Diego. I lost contact with him and was very shocked when I found out that he had passed. He was such a nice person and I adored him as a friend. I know it´s not easy for the family and I send my sincere Very late condolences
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Gerard Vernot
October 1, 2021
As a former teacher of yours in high school, I will miss you. You were an outstanding student and basketball player.
ABDUL Abdurhakim
July 16, 2020
What a Gifted Player Love his. Game,and A Great Embasitor of the Game My Condolences Family 1Love ❤❤❤
December 3, 2019
Michael was my coach for one week at Pocono Mountain Basketball camp run by Bill Foster and Harry Litwack.
He was a great role model for me at a young age. He was caring for all his players and we developed close relationships with him that week.
I loved his laugh.
Later in the evening all the coaches that played in college at the time would play inside the gym. That was fun to watch, great action.
Sad to hear of his passing.
William Mc Cahery
New Jersey
August 17, 2019
Rest in peace, Michael.
Mark Brooks
September 17, 2017
So very sorry. Watched you play for La Salle explorers growing up and speedy Morris tried to emulate your game my dad bought me a la salle jersey in 1977. So very sorry may Jehovah bless your family!
Harvey Cannon
September 16, 2017
Rip Big Foot a star who never let the fame of his game go to his head. I loved most a nice first baseman target with me playing third on our little league baseball team up 58th street. As an NBA Pro you always had time to rap and hangout when you came to town. We will never know how great you could have been because of that injury in the league, yet you still gave the Laker's 26 while playing for France.
I'm glad to see Philly recently recognized you and your family with a great piece in the Inquier. Rest IN Peace my friend, me and the boyz on 59th and Warrington will never forget you.
Harv C
Robert Spillane
August 15, 2017
I was just a geeky freshman when I met Michael in St. Alberts dorm at LaSalle. He and I became good friends. Our common thread wasn't basketball but things like music, shared interests and things that were important to us. I'm forever grateful for his friendship. He helped me grow as a person. I'll miss him.
GILBERT GREEN
March 6, 2017
I FIRST LEARNED OF MIKE BROOKS DEATH,AS I WATCHED THE MEMORIAL NBA LEGENDS BRUNCH.IT BROUGHT TEARS TO MY EYES!!I MET MIKE BROOKS BACK IN THE SUMMER OF 1977&78 WE WERE ROOMATES AS CAMP COUNSELORS AT DUKE BASKETBALL CAMP IN THE POCONOS.HE WAS A SOPH AT LASALLE I WAS A JUNIOR AT ST. FRAN. XAVIER IN CANADA.HE HAD ASMILE THAT LIT UP THE ROOM.MIKE WAS ALWAYS A JOKER,ONE DAY HE PUT SHAVEING CREME IN MY SNEAKERS AS A JOKE ,ALWAYS HAVING FUN.BUT HE WAS A GREAT ATHLETE.WE WOULD SCRIMMAGE AT NIGHT SKINS VS SHIRTS AGAINST THE PHILA 76-HENRY BIBBY& TERRY FURLOW WE ATE THEM UP.MIKE ALWAYS OUTPLAYED ANYONE WHO GUARDED HIM.WE WOULD HOOK-UP WHENEVER HE CAME TO NEW YORK TO PLAY THE KNICKS.IM FROM NYC. REST IN PEACE MY BASKETBALL BUDDY!!!!!
Kevin Purcell
January 27, 2017
Aleta, love to your extended family and Michael's immediate family. I am so saddened. Please let me know how you and the kids are doing.
kevprcll at aol.com
Kevin Purcell
January 27, 2017
I met Michael in San Diego when he first came to the Clippers. But we really got to know one another when he tore up his ACL. He was out of basketball in the day where an anterior cruciate ligament was career ending. Not him.
When shared fears and hopes. He was such a gentleman and was wise beyond his years. Lucky ne we stayed in contact during his years in France and his expanding family.
I am so saddened and misty eyed.
Love you, Michael.
Lorraine Lacy
January 5, 2017
First my deepest sympathy to his family. I am simply stunned and ashamed that I'm
learning if his death tonigh. I was introduced to Michael by his former classmate and friend Gary Vann in the summer if 1982 when Michael came to visit. I remember him as very gracious and humble. We went out to dinner and drinks and I didn't know what I wanted to drink Michael turned to me and said "always order the best, from the top shelf whatever you chose then people will know you know who you are and what you want and will treat you accordingly". From that day on that's exactly what I did and still do.He was right! Thank you Michael, you are loved and missed. Rest in peace, friend.
Sarah McPherson Pena
December 4, 2016
First to his family and his children my heartfelt sympathy. Michael was the big brother I never had. We met in San Diego, I worked for the Clippers in LA and he was trying to come back after his knee injury. I started working for American Airlines in reservations and actually spoke to his mom about her reservation when he bought her a ticket. I remember talking to him through the days in the CBA and the 10day contracts he got with Denver. I painted my nails with the Nuggets rainbow and took some friends to Dallas to watch him in a playoff game. I wanted him to have a cheering section because this was a HUGE comeback for him in so many ways. He was a renaissance man. I have been searching for him. My mom and I wanted to visit him to catch up. I'm sorry I'm learning of this now. Until we meet again.
Bernadette Fisher-Charles
December 3, 2016
Rip, Michael Brooks...! I will offer my Mass tomorrow for you!
Andrew Starks
November 30, 2016
Rip Big Foot aka Michael Brooks, great player an even greater person and friend . My prayers go out to your family .
Daniel Pratt
November 27, 2016
I am very sorry to hear of Mike's Passing. I knew him from High School. My condolences to the Family.
Gail Scott-Harris
November 1, 2016
Rest peacefully in the arms of our Lord Michael.
PEARL RAMPETE
October 12, 2016
MAY YOUR SOUL REST IN PEACE. I JUST LEARNED ABOUT THE SADNESS NEWS ON THE INTERNET
Johannes Müller
October 11, 2016
I am very sad to hear that he passed away. I was lucky to play with him in Marseille, France for one season, after his professional career was over. We had such a great time together. This is more than 15 years ago, but me and my wife still talk about him - he was such an inspiring personality.
R.I.P Michael
Martha Collier
September 14, 2016
Mike: You will be greatly missed. You were a star in more ways than just basketball. My heart goes out to the family and friends.
John Miller
September 8, 2016
RIP Mike
John Miller
September 8, 2016
RIP Mike
Sheila Thompson
September 8, 2016
The body must leave us but the memories remain forever until we also must travel that road. Rest in Eternal Peace Mike light up the skies and heaven with your bright smile.
Alicia Harris
September 7, 2016
Rip Michael
Eric (Red's) Wayman
September 7, 2016
Mike, a Big Influence in our little lives..Man, did we have some memories, Foots..Forever Broomall St..Love & Miss You, Mike,,,Big Reds..
John O'Neil
September 6, 2016
My condolences to the Brooks Family. I first met Michael when he became a player on the West Catholic Freshman Basketball team. He worked very hard at becoming a better player and by his sophomore year was a major force. He was a good person and one who treated everyone with respect and shared that smile so often with so many. His coach at West was Joe McFadden... who ent on to become Bishop McFadden of the Philadelphia and Harrisburg Dioceses. Joe passed away a few years ago... I am sure they are back together now!
PHILADELPHIA SPORTS HALL OF FAME
September 6, 2016
Rest In Peace Michael. Our Thoughts and Prayers are with and our condolences to your family and Friends.
- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/philly/michael-brooks-condolences/181162895?cid=view&page=2#sthash.z89RIJkM.dpuf
Terri Raymond
August 31, 2016
I was friends with Michael during his time with the boycotted Olympics. He came to Montana to play in a tournament. The sun will not shine as bright for me, but the heavens now have a brighter star. I will miss you always Michael.
Bernie Wedo
August 31, 2016
I had the pleasure to be friends with Michael Brooks for over 4 years when I attended LaSalle College and I found him to be a very modest compassionate understanding and loving person he had a godliness about himself that everybody appreciated who were his real friends at school and we used to call him brooksie he could join one of his best friends who has passed on nowFranny Karmazzin I'm sure that they're talking about old times together God bless you may God bless your family you are a great guy your friend Bernie Wedo
August 28, 2016
08-28-2016 San Diego, CA 1:56 AM PST
I was very saddened to hear of Michael's passing. I worked on the SD Clippers stats crew from 1978-1981. Mike was always very nice to me - and everyone else. Yet still remained a very private person. He was always a favorite of mine because he gave it 110% every time he took the court. Always very kind and a gentleman to everyone. I never saw him ever turned down anyone for an autograph or to pose for a picture with him. What a great example he was to the other players.
I remember that GREAT SMILE of his and was always enjoyed watching him play - when Lloyd "All-World" Free was on the floor at the same time during the 1980 season, things were just extra special and exciting between the two of them.
My sympathy and prayers go out to Michael's family and loved ones. A belated Happy Birthday to his sister. I am very sorry for your loss.
God Bless You All,
Roger Christensen
San Diego, California
PS: I remember the first time Mike came to the scorer's table here in San Diego. He checked himself in for the first time, as a a San Diego Clipper and took his spot on the court. YOU GOTTA LOVE A GUY WITH A SMILE LIKE MICHAEL HAD.
Vuctoria Hydrick
August 26, 2016
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Rita my prayers for you and your family. Viki from around belmar st
Michele Breslin
August 26, 2016
RIP Mike! You were a gentleman in high school. Bless your soul! Michele Kelly Breslin'76
August 26, 2016
Rest In Peace Michael. Our Thoughts and Prayers are with and Condolences to Your family and Friends. It was a Pleasure getting to know you during your time at La Salle College and getting to work with you for 3 years.
Jacqueline Uberti
August 25, 2016
For you whole family my sincere condelences.
Tomorrow the 26th August at 3.pm Swiss time Michael will have his funeral in Lausanne.Switzerland
this last year Michael suffered a lot with his illness but he never gave up full of hopes with a future bone marrow transplant, but unfortunately he did not make it.
My heart is bleeding my pain is enormous Michael is gone. I have lost the man I loved
Aleta Lee
August 25, 2016
Kenneth Ryesky
August 25, 2016
Michael, you were at La Salle before my time, but your name still loomed large during my years there.
ROBERT HENSHAW
August 25, 2016
One of my all time favorite players in the Big 5
r.i.p.
Susan Bliss Geisler
August 25, 2016
I am so very sad to hear the news of Michael passing. My heart goes out to Aleta and family.
Michael was a part of my life here in San Diego a long time ago and I have great memories of him. He was a very special, kindhearted person with a love for life.
My sincere condolences.
Michael and Sharon Savino
August 25, 2016
To the Brooks family
Can't say enough about Michael and all the good times we shared in and after college . He was a very good friend of ours and we will miss him dearly.
You will be in our prayers to help you through these toughest of times .
May God give you the strength you need to carry on
Here's to the General !
Diane Moyer
August 24, 2016
My heart is heavy as I think about the passing of Michael. We came in as first year students and cheered each other on during our time at LaSalle. Our senior year, we shared the 1980 Olympic boycott. He was always so supportive and a dear friend during my years at Lasalle. He will always be a part of me.
chris williams
August 24, 2016
Sorry for the lost we go back from Transy and west. I was class of 1978. Miss you bro,
Chris Williams, Overbrook Hills Pa
Lamont Rothmaller
August 24, 2016
I was a friend of his sister Aleta. I met him when I was in high school and he just went to the LA Clippers. Very nice guy. Glad I had a chance to meet one of Philly greatest ball player
Mike Gonsalves
August 24, 2016
So sorry to hear the news.My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
RIP
Gerard Moore
August 24, 2016
Michael was a student in my World History class at West Catholic High School. He used to love to stare at the NBA posters on the wall of the classroom probably realizing he would be there one day. What a tremendous talent taken from us too young. May he rest in peace.
Michael Pitts-Holiday
August 24, 2016
I am sorry for the Brooks family loss. Me and Mike go all the way back to the Transfiguration School days!!! Rest in peace my friend and brother.
My brother's smile has never changed!
Aleta Lee
August 24, 2016
This is a recent photo of Michael!
Aleta Lee
August 24, 2016
Lisa Thompson
August 24, 2016
Love & prayers for the Brooks family. May Michael rest peacefully, in the loving arms of God.
Connie Boone
August 24, 2016
RIP my friend, the world is really losing a great person, we'll always love and admire you here in Southwest Philadelphia Connie Boone
Maurice Dennis
August 24, 2016
My sincere condolences to the Brooks family
Maurice Dennis
August 24, 2016
I'll always remember St Carthage aka St Cyprian and West Catholic getting in the gym before school opened to shoot around. RIP my good friend.
Bertrand Fournier
August 24, 2016
Rip mike......csp and nba legend....so sadalways in our hearts.....
Dr. Portia Bookhart
August 24, 2016
So sorry to hear of Michael's passing. Rest in peace Michael.
Sarah Naett
August 24, 2016
Michael, I will never forget you. You were the most wonderful man. My condolences to your family.
Patrick Gallagher
August 24, 2016
As a small boy in the suburbs I knew his name...as a young man I knew his legend. Ya done good here!
R.Nasi Starks
August 24, 2016
Rest well my friend
WCHS class of 76.
Lisa Johnson
August 24, 2016
RIP Mike
Jacklynn Johnson
August 23, 2016
Rest In Peace Michael and May God Be With You
Judith Robinson
August 23, 2016
Prayers of healing to family and friends....
Carl Whittenberg
August 23, 2016
MY MAN, the only time I got suspended from High School was when me and him were having so much fun, I got in trouble but he was the basketball star so he didn't, but he was my boy, I remembered when he got recruited for Lasalle University and Paul Westhead was the coach and came over the house and Joe Bryant(Kobe's Father) was there, because Mike and Joe were roadies, Paul wanted me to leave but Mike said that's my boy so no, but I left anyway not to mess up his chances with Lasalle. I could go on an on but may he rest in Peace, I love you Mike, Carl
Marty Wayman
August 23, 2016
Dear Brooks family , this is the youngest boy of the Wayman family ,Marty from Broomall st. Our deepest condolences from our family to yours. He was a SW philly legend. God bless.
Theodore Anderson
August 23, 2016
R.I.P brotber
Ratko Mihailovic
August 23, 2016
Dear Sirs,
Please accept my sincerely condolences for loosing such a great man, coach and colleague!
My condolences to Mike's family!
Yours sincerely
His colleague and friend,
Coach RATKO MIHAILOVIC !!!
Kenneth Everett
August 23, 2016
My condolences to the family. Mike was always welcomed at the Everett home. I recall when he signed with the league and took us all for a ride in his beautiful yellow caddie. We looked up to you Mike because you made it out of the "Hood". Now your in a better place...Love you Bro
Louis Nelson
August 23, 2016
I recall Mike showing me his Junior Varsity jersey in his bedroom on Frazier Street; the countless number of days and nights we shot hoops on BROOMALL Street and Willows Avenue in West Philadelphia; I'll never forget the time Mike blocked my shot from the corner when playing 14-16 ball at Sherwood Recreation Center; I call to mind Mike's Senior High School year when I was looking forward to seeing Gene Banks (from West Philly High) and Mike playing for the city championship, but West Catholic lost the Catholic league contest so the two teams didn't play for the city battle; I remember Mike being a great basketball player at La Salle, then onto the Clippers before playing abroad...I still speak the name Michael Brooks, something like the respect Sonny Hill gives to a great player.
I'll always remember Mike and how blessed he was to live out his dream.
My condolences to Mike's family; I remember them too, his Mom, Rita and Aleta.
R.I.P. my Broomall Street homey.
L
August 23, 2016
My deepest condolences to Mr.Brooks Family. May the peace from God that surpasses all understanding comfort you. Phillipians 4:6&7
Earl, Warren, Rick and Ms Helen Brown
August 23, 2016
To the Brooks family,
We send you our condolences ,Mike was more than a friend he was another brother to the Brown family in SWphilly. May u rip Cuz u will be sadly missed by all of us.
Abdul Brooks
August 23, 2016
My prayers and thoughts are with those who knew and loved Michael. Never had the chance to meet him but was very aware of him and his accomplishments. R.I.P. my father's brother.
Charles Norfleet
August 23, 2016
The only good thing to say is that you are now in the Lord's house. My prayers are with the family. Thank you Michael--I greatly remember my basketball days with you and the 78-79 Explorers.
Elder Brian Killebrew
August 23, 2016
My prayers are with the family during your bereavement. Mike was loved by my family and was welcomed as one of her sons. He will be sorely missed. May the Lord bless you and keep you always. Sorrowfully submitted, Elder Brian Killebrew
Walter Hawthorne
August 23, 2016
My prayers go out to the Brooks Family. As a fellow West guy your memory will always be present throughout the school and city. GOD BLESS
Kevin Houston
August 23, 2016
Go with God my friend. West Philadelphia Catholic High School for Boys Class of 1976
Felix Taverna
August 23, 2016
He was my first NBA friend when the San Diego Clippers drafted him. We spent a lot of time in La Jolla, California and always had a laughing good time. Remembering the night Al Wood (North Carolina) Freeman Williams ( Portland State) and Joe ( Jelly Bean) Bryant , Kobe's Dad (LaSalle) all played cards and ate great food all night long at Micheal's place. He was such a warm and private person. He didn't t let many people get close to him, I was fortunate to be one that did. I will always remember his voice and his wise crack remarks . He was truly one of a kind and played on garbage SD Clipper Teams Nobody ran the court like MB. I will miss him everyday and never forget him
Claire McArdle
August 23, 2016
So very sorry to hear of Michael's passing. I remember fondly our days as part of the LaSalle basketball family and " Brook's Brigade." I speak of our days at LaSalle often. Rest in peace Michael. Class of 1980, LaSalle College
Deacon George Oliver
August 23, 2016
To the Mike Brooks family, I would like to express my condolences to you on the passing of Mike and that with God's blessings that you would be encouraged and uplifted by Jesus grace and mercy. His life was full of great memories and accomplishments that will never be forgotten. He was a great basketball player but was also a greater person to be around with. I met him through one of his buddies from SW Philly, Eric Friend who invited Mike to come visit with him while we were students at FAMU in 1977. Mike was one of the top Philly basketball players of all time, High school and college and he will be sorely missed. Peace and Blessings to the family always. Class of 1976, Germantown HS
Sheila Hill
August 23, 2016
My condolences to his Family I will always remember that beautiful smile and the Michael that I grew up with a bubbling spirited person funny and one of the ones in the neighborhood who fulfilled his dream as a basketball player. The picture attached is how I will always remember him. Resting in Gods Care .
Rafiyq(Rick) Friend
August 23, 2016
He was one of my best friends growing up I remember doing his time in Philly the intense rivalry he shared with another Philly legend Gene Banks. It started in high school Brooks West Catholic Banks West Philly High. It was like Magic/Byrd the two of them always trying to out perform the other on the court. He was fun to be around great dancer for a big guy always smiling his laughter would fill the room I was shocked and deeply saddened by the news of his death. I pray that God Almighty brings comfort to the hearts of his family.
Zerihun Belay
August 23, 2016
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Kenneth Highsmith
August 23, 2016
My condolences go out to his friends and family. He was one of the basketball greats during my high school years and many of my close friends during that time attended West Catholic HS with him. I know he'll be missed
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