Robert Scott Brooks

Robert Scott Brooks, 77, of Arlington, Virginia, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2026. Born on December 13, 1948, in Melrose, Massachusetts, Robert was the beloved son of Dr. Roy Irving Brooks and Elizabeth Belle Brooks, and grew up alongside his brother, Roy Stewart Brooks.

Robert married the love of his life, Mable Sue Brooks, and together they shared a lifetime of devotion, partnership, and unwavering faith, celebrating 48 years of marriage last summer. Over those years, they built a large and loving family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mable; his children, Melissa, Nina ( her husband Dustin), Scott (his wife Sarah) Myles (his wife Hayley), Crystal (her husband Dave), and Mark; his cherished grandchildren, Corey, Brianna, Abigail, Taylor, Zoey, Lennox, Logan, Harper, Sailor, Maggie, Ace, and great-grandchild, Taaliyah. He is also survived by his brother Roy, sister-in-law Camille, and their children, Risa and Ryan.

A graduate of Lock Haven University in Pennsylvania, Robert earned his Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical Education in 1972. He went on to dedicate 32 years of service to Arlington County Public Schools, where he taught Physical Education and coached wrestling, football, and track and field. His coaching career was marked by numerous state, regional, and district champions, but his true legacy was the impact he had on the young people he mentored.

Robert believed in grit, discipline, and heart. He pushed his athletes to "show up and get the job done," no matter the challenge. To many, he was more than a coach, he was a mentor, a father figure, and a force of nature. His presence was commanding, his expectations high, and his loyalty unwavering. He was, in every sense, a juggernaut of his age.

After retiring in 2003, Robert and Mable settled into a peaceful life in Grafton, West Virginia, where they built a home surrounded by mountains and quiet country roads. Robert embraced the slower pace of retirement with joy. Front porch sitting, family adventures, and watching his grandchildren grow were among his greatest pleasures.

A devout follower of Jesus and a passionate student of scripture, Robert sought deeper understanding of God's word throughout his life. His spiritual reflections culminated in his book of poetry, Thirty Pieces of Silver, written to inspire curiosity and encourage others to seek God's true intent beyond tradition or ritual.

Robert was immensely proud of his children and the paths they forged. He was their foundation - steady, strong, and always present. Through every high and low, he offered guidance, wisdom, and unconditional love. He understood hardship, embraced perseverance, and believed deeply in the lessons found in struggle. Though tough in spirit, he carried a heart of gold.

He protected his family fiercely, loved his friends loyally, and led his "pack" with humility and strength. His absence leaves a profound void in the lives of all who knew him.

We love you and miss you already, Dad, Pop-Pop, Scott.