FISHKILL – Thomas E. Brooks, Sr., a Fishkill resident since 1954, died on Tuesday, November 28, 2017 at the Lutheran Care Center in Poughkeepsie. He was 92.

Son of the late Lowell and Sarah (Noyack) Brooks, he was born in Ansonia, CT on February 27, 1925. In 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served during World War II. He was the recipient of several recognitions, including the American, European, and Asiatic-Pacific Theatre Medals, the Philippine Liberation Medal, and the Victory Medal.

He was a graduate of Syracuse University, where he played football. He later earned a master’s degree in education. In 1954, he began working for the Wappingers Central School District teaching driver education, coaching, serving as truant officer, and assistant principal. He retired in 1982 after 13 years as the Principal of his beloved, Roy C. Ketcham High School.

Thomas was a parishioner of St. Mary, Mother of the Church in Fishkill where he was baptized and confirmed later in life. He was a member of the Dutchess Golf & Country Club where he enjoyed many rounds of golf with friends. Affectionately known as “Poppy”, he was a permanent fixture at all of his grandchildren’s events. Simply put, he was the best.

Thomas was predeceased by his loving wife, Frances Ann (Georgia) Brooks, on August 11, 2005. Together they created a close-knit, loving family that was steeped in tradition and celebration.

Survivors include his son, Thomas E. Brooks, Jr. & his wife Susan of Fishkill; his son, Kevin L. Brooks & his wife Susan of Poughkeepsie; his daughter, Janice Uhlitzsch & her husband Rudolf of Wappingers Falls; his grandchildren, Erin Shields & her husband Patrick of Cold Spring, Mark Brooks & his wife Colleen of Ballston Spa, Kevin J. Brooks & his wife Rebecca of Wappingers Falls, and Kristin Brooks of Poughkeepsie; his great-grandchildren, Brittany, Patrick Thomas, Ellie, Jack Thomas, Madeline, Gavin Thomas, Charlotte, and Jackson; and many nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives & friends.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was also predeceased by his daughter, Susan Jo Brooks, as well as his brother, Lowell Brooks, and his sister, Betty Wentworth.
Calling hours will be held from 2 – 4 and 7 – 9 p.m. on Friday, December 1 at the McHoul Funeral Home of Fishkill, Inc., 1089 Main Street, Fishkill. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 9:45 a.m. on Saturday, December 2 at St. Mary, Mother of the Church, 106 Jackson Street, Fishkill. Interment will follow at St. Joachim Cemetery in Beacon.

The family would like to thank the physicians, nurses, and staff of the Lutheran Care Center and Hudson Valley Hospice for the care and compassion given to Thomas throughout his final days. In recognition of their gratitude, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lutheran Care Center, Employee Appreciation Account, 965 Dutchess Turnpike, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 or Hudson Valley Hospice Foundation, 374 Violet Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 (www.hvhospice.org).

For directions and online tributes, you can visit Thomas’ Book of Memories at www.mchoulfuneralhome.com.