Retired Boston Firefighter, Alonzo P. Brooks Jr. of Engine Company 8, a lifelong Townie, entered into eternal life on Sunday, May 11, 2014 at Life Care Center of Merrimack Valley in North Billerica following an extended illness. He was 89 years old.
Alonzo was born in Charlestown on March 20, 1925, a son of the late Alonzo P. Brooks (Ret. B.F.D.) and Beatrice (McFarland) Brooks. Alonzo grew up in Charlestown where he was educated in the Boston Public School system and graduated from Charlestown High School in 1942. He enlisted into the United States Navy on April 6, 1942 and served his country with courage and honor during World War II. He was discharged on April 4, 1946 with the rank of Gunner's Mate Second Class. Alonzo joined the Boston Fire Department in 1947 and served his entire career as a firefighter with Engine Company 8 in the North End of Boston. He retired in 1982 after 35 years of dedicated service as a Boston Firefighter to the City of Boston.
Alonzo is the beloved husband of 67 years to Rose M. (Picoraro) Brooks. He is the devoted father of Eleanor Haynie of Charlestown and Boston Firefighter Richard Brooks of Engine Company 4 and his wife Ellen of Billerica. He is the loving Grandpa to Jennifer Haynie, Richard Brooks Jr., Michael Brooks and Corey Brooks. He is the beloved brother of Helen Peckham of North Carolina and Beatrice LaPlante and her husband Fred of Maine. He is the loving uncle to many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend Alonzo's Funeral Service on Saturday, May 17, 2014 at 10 A.M. in The Carr Funeral Home, 220 Bunker Hill St. Charlestown. Burial will be at Forest Glade Cemetery in Wakefield. Visiting hours will be on Friday, May 16, 2014 from 4 to 8 P.M. in the funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in Alonzo's name to the Boston Firefighters Burn Foundation, 55 Hallet St. Dorchester, Mass. 02124.