WORCESTER-John H. “Uncle Jack” Brooks, 73, formerly of Colony II Retirement Homes, died Monday, November 20th, in Autumn Village Nursing Center surrounded by his loving brother, sister and niece Ruthie. He was born in Clinton, the son of the late Roy E. and Ruth (Collins) Brooks and lived here since age 6. He leaves a brother, R. Michael Brooks of Fredericksburg, VA; a sister, Beverly M. Brooks of Worcester; an aunt, Avis Berry and her friend Wesley Walker of Fitchburg; an uncle, Curtis Collins and his wife Ida of Clinton; a sister-in-law, Pauline Brooks of Spencer; 6 nieces, Ruthie, June, Debbie, Avis, Donna and Melanie; 4 nephews, Danny, Timmy, Billy and Brian; 6 great nieces, Marcy, Julie, Alyssa, Rachelle, Nevie and Kylie; 10 great nephews, Ben, Matthew, Jason, Corey, Michael, Christopher, Patrick, Joshua, Tyler and Samuel; 2 great-great nieces, Olivia Rose and Emma Grace; and a great-great nephew, Ryan. Also left behind are Mike, Earl, Doug and Tim, husbands of Ruthie, Melanie, Marcy and Alyssa; Sheila, Marcia, Laurie and Kerri, wives of Danny, Timmy, Matthew and Ben; Ernie, friend of Avis; Billy, friend of Donna; and many cousins. John was predeceased by 2 brothers, Roy C. Brooks in 2002 and George A. Brooks, this year, and a niece Jacqueline “Jackie” Brooks in 1985, who was named after him.
John graduated from Commerce High School and worked many years with First National Food Stores before they went bankrupt. He later worked for R.H. White and Marshall’s before retiring. He served in the U.S. Army for 6 years (1956 until 1962), two of which were on the active duty in Germany. John enjoyed reading, listening to music and his work. Although never having a car, John, who believed in public transportation, was never late for or missed a day of work. Until he became ill, John enjoyed lunches and trips with former colleagues of R.H. White and Marshall’s. He was a loving brother, uncle and great friend who will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Family and friends will bid farewell to John “Uncle Jack” during visiting hours from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. Friday, November 24th in O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue. A funeral service will be held Saturday, November 25th at 10:00 A.M. in the funeral home. Burial will be in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton. Flowers may be sent, or contributions may be made to Autumn Village Nursing Center, 25 Oriol Drive, Worcester, MA 01605, The American Diabetes Association, 330 Congress Street, Boston, MA 02110 or The American Cancer Society, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, MA 01701. John would like to thank his family, relatives, especially his niece Ruth McCumber and family, his friends Alice Olson, Ethel Lambos and Marie Consolmagno; and his caretaker Marsada Vajrovic for all their love, caring and friendship over the years. Catch you later, Brother!