Obituary of Robert Joseph Brooks

Robert Joseph Brooks passed away in Melbourne, Florida. Robert was the son of Joseph and Sophia Brooks of Scranton, Pennsylvania. Lieutenant Colonel Brooks was a decorated WWII veteran who served with the 82nd Mortar Battalion's campaigns in the Pacific Theater, and took part in the occupation force in Japan. After the war, he returned to Scranton, where he was a radio announcer and finished college. In 1948 he married the love of his life, Jean Purdy, whom he had first met while ice skating in Nay Aug Park when he was 15 and she was 13. He was devoted to Jean's happiness for 67 years until she passed away in 2015 at the age of 89. After earning his law degree at Columbia University, Robert, Jean and their two children, Bob and Joan, moved to Austin, Texas. Robert worked in oil and gas law, and as a radio DJ and television personality. They moved to Maryland, where their third child, Randy, was born, and where Robert began his long career with the federal government at the Interstate Commerce Commission. After retiring in 1978 as the Director of the Office of Proceedings, he went into private practice. Jesuit trained and a lifelong learner, Robert was a truly compassionate man. He will always be remembered as a kind and generous soul, known for his pro bono work for relatives, friends, and anyone in need. Robert is survived by his children, Bob, Joan and Randy (Renee), and grandchildren Christina, Joe, Adam, Laura, Connor and Dave, nieces and nephews. There will be a service with full honors at Arlington National Cemetery and a Funeral Mass at Saint Andrew Apostle Church in Silver Spring, MD in the spring. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to probono.net in honor of Robert J Brooks, Attorney at Law.