Donald A. Brooks

1941 - 2021

Donald A. "Don" Brooks, age 79, U.S. Air Force veteran, a resident of Naperville, IL since 2016, formerly of Wenham, MA, LaGrange, IL and Hinsdale, IL, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on Sunday, February 21, 2021 at Edward Hospital in Naperville. He was born on July 16, 1941 in Providence, RI.

Don grew up in Wenham, MA with his older sister Beverly (Bev) and his younger sister Phyllis (Phee). He attended Beverly High School, and then attended Lowell Technical Institute (now the UMass Lowell) graduating with a degree in Nuclear Engineering and a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force. Don spent his first two years (1962-64) at Wright-Patterson AFB, where he attended the Air Force Institute of Technology, earning an MS in Nuclear Engineering. During this time, his first daughter Carrie was born on the base. His next tour of duty was at Kirkland AFB in Albuquerque, NM where he worked as a Nuclear Research Officer from 1964-66. During this commission, his second daughter Carla was born on base in 1965. Don's last tour of duty was in Washington DC as a Technical Project Officer and Program Manager for the Air Force Technical Applications Center. Don resigned his commission as a Captain in 1968 and in the same year began his career at McCrone Associates on September 1 as a Senior Research Physicist. A year later he was promoted to Vice President, then on December 1, 1975 Don became President & CEO and has successfully led and evolved the company ever since.

On June 1, 1986, Don purchased McCrone Associates, McCrone Microscopes & Accessories and McCrone Environmental Services (since closed) from Dr. & Mrs. McCrone. In 1987, a new laboratory/office was built for the companies in Westmont and remains their corporate headquarters.

Today, celebrating 65 years in business, The McCrone Group combines the talents and skills of its staff in the areas of materials analysis, instrument sales, and education. The McCrone Group is internationally regarded as "The Premier Microscopy Resource" and recognized as a world leader in microscopy, microanalysis, materials characterization, and the solving of tough materials problems.

Don has been instrumental in the development of the communities he has lived in by being a volunteer, youth pastor, coach, mentor, and philanthropist. When he was not dedicating his time and efforts to his employees, at McCrone, or family, he could be found scuba diving across the world, tearing up the roads on his motorcycle, or buying the next coolest techie gadget. Most recently devoting his time and efforts with wife Jane to their church and the City of Naperville, where they reside and feel at "home sweet home."

He is survived by his wife Jane, his paternal daughters, Carrie Boles (husband Duke), grandchildren, Brett, Cody (wife Sarah, great-grandchildren, Adeline and Daniel), Brooke, Trey (fiancée, Kelsey Brunsman), and Carla Brooks, with Jane's children, Ryan Dean (wife Elizabeth, grandchildren, Carter, Ella, and Dylan) and Brittany Dean (grandchild Taylor Sanden).

A private visitation and service will be held on Friday, February 26, 2021. A private interment with military honors will follow at Naperville Cemetery.

A public celebration of Don's life will be held in the future.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who wish to express their sympathy to consider donating to Lurie Children's Hospital, 225 E. Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60611.

Arrangements by Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Naperville, IL.

For more information, please visit www.friedrich-jones.com or call (630) 355-0213.