Dr. Robert G. Brooks

86, of Warwick, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 21, 2025 at the Cherry Hill Manor in Johnston surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of the late Jean E. (Peters) Brooks for 50 years. Born in Pawtucket, he was the son of the late David and Ella (Stott) Brooks.

Robert earned his Bachelor of Science degree (B.S.) in Accounting and Business Management from Bryant University, a Master’s Degree in Education (M.Ed.) from Rhode Island College, and his Doctorate (Ph.D.) from the University of Connecticut. In addition, he earned multiple teaching and administrative certificates, including a certificate in non-profit organizational management from Brown University. Robert (known warmly by his colleagues as “Bob” and “Dr. Brooks”) was a teacher at heart. He was passionate about leading children and good schools. In his early years, Robert was a teacher at Cranston High School East where he met his late wife Jean and went on to enjoy a 24-year career with the Providence School Department. While there, he served as Director of the Magnet Program and Gifted Education Programs, empowering students to strive for individual excellence. He was one of the founders of Magnet Schools of America (MSA) and served as their National and Executive Director from 2000 to 2012, was a Past President, and served as the organization’s first Secretary-Treasurer. In these roles, Robert was known for his dedication to public school choice, his trailblazing leadership, and mentorship. He is a published author of two books and served as an education grant writing and evaluation consultant for MSA.

In addition to his work with MSA, Robert served as the former Board Chairman for the National Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) during the 1990’s; he remained active with the organization for many years, and more recently served as a State Advisor for the Rhode Island Chapter where he provided guidance to countless students before retiring in 2024. He is the recipient of two lifetime achievement awards for his contributions to MSA (2023) and FBLA (2024). Robert maintained an unwavering work ethic and continued to lead others well into his later years as a business and education consultant, serving as the Director of Finance for the Guild of International Baccalaureate Schools of the Northeast (GIBS).

Despite all his accomplishments, Robert’s greatest fulfillment came from the time spent with his family, specifically, his grandsons, who he referred to as “Grampa’s Boys” and the light of his life. He enjoyed traveling and often brought his family on conference trips over the years. In his spare time, he enjoyed spending time in New Hampshire where he served on the board of his condo association. He was a proud Veteran of the United States Air Force with honorable discharge.

He is survived by his loving children, Jennifer Brooks Hutchinson and her husband David of Rumford, Robert G. Brooks, Jr. and his wife Kristin of Cranston; cherished grandchildren Justin Brooks, Jack Hutchinson, and Blake Brooks. He is also survived by his daughter Marianne Park and her children as well as many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Donald Brooks, Sr., David Brooks, Jr., Shirley Haggerty, and Beverly Wright.

His Funeral will be held on Saturday, July 26th at 9:15 am followed by a Funeral Service at 10:00 am in the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME & Crematory, 1278 Park Ave., Cranston. Burial with Military Honors will take place in Swan Point Cemetery, Providence. VISITING HOURS will be Friday, July 25th from 5:00 – 8:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Rhode Island Chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association: Kent Hospital, 455 Toll Gate Rd., Bldg. 2C, Warwick, RI 02886. http://www.apdaparkinsons.org