Joseph William "Joe" Brooks

Joseph William Brooks, 84, affectionately known as Joe, passed away on Monday, February 3, 2025, at Moses Cone Hospital. Born on December 5, 1940, in Pittsburgh, PA, he lived a life characterized by his unwavering devotion to God, dedication to family, honest sincerity, and expert craftsmanship.

Joe enjoyed a successful career in data processing, having served as the Supervisor of Data Processing at Welch's Foods in Westfield, NY. He contributed his skills at Carolina Meadows, a retirement community, in maintenance, demonstrating his diverse talents. Later, he progressed to various managerial roles in sales for other companies. 

Joe was steadfast in his faith, was honored to be a Eucharistic Minister, a proud 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus, and regularly attended Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. He was an avid golfer and a devoted fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers. His son, Greg, followed in his love for golf and they enjoyed many very competitive rounds of golf together. For years, Joe had season tickets to the Steelers’ games where he and Greg could be seen bundled up, waving their gold and black “Terrible Towels" and cheering their heads off. In later years they kept in touch by phone during the games as they both cheered for the Steelers from the comfort of their respective homes. After his son, Greg’s, untimely death, Joe often said that football just wasn’t the same for him.

Known as a “jack of all trades”, Joe possessed an uncanny talent and ability to tackle any home improvement project. His wife, Marlene, would tell others she was spoiled because he could fix anything around the house. He remodeled their old farm house by building a stone fireplace, hearth and mantel, added a laundry room, and an enclosed patio. From plumbing and carpentry to mechanics, electrical work and stone masonry, there was little that he could not fix or remodel. Joe was a people person and after he retired, he started helping others with his “Handyman” work which he found very rewarding. He would often say that he wished that he had done that kind of work his entire life.

Joe leaves behind his beloved wife of 56 years, Marlene Ann Brehm Brooks; his sisters, Joyce Palmer and her husband Nick, and Jeanne Hammel and her husband Donny. Joe will be remembered fondly by his brothers-in-law, Ed Dietz, Tony Banks, Tom Brehm and his wife Jo, and David Brehm and his partner, Sherry Graham and a sister-in-law Mary Brehm. In addition, Joe cherished the many nieces and nephews who added joy to his life.

He is reunited in peace with his beloved parents, Martin Frank Brooks and Elizabeth Helen Best Brooks, his loving son Gregory "Greg" Joseph Brooks, his daughter-in-law Angela Hughes Brooks, his sisters, Judy Dietz and Jackie Banks and brother-in-law Jim Brehm. Joe’s legacy of love, resilience, and skill will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Joe's spirit will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew him well, especially in moments shared, stories told, and decisions made over family gatherings. His laughter, wisdom, and steadfast presence will be sorely missed yet lovingly remembered. As we gather to celebrate his life, we are reminded that in every swing on the golf course, every football game attended and viewed, and every crafted home improvement, his spirit will linger, guiding us as we navigate our own lives, just as he always did with God as his “Center”.

The memorial mass to celebrate the life of Joe will be held at 1:00PM Friday, March 7, 2025 at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. 

Memorials may be made to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church, P.O. Box 619, Burlington, NC 27216. You may send condolences to www.lowefuneralhome.com