Theodore Brooks

Theodore Brooks of Sunset Park, Town of Ulster died Saturday, September 5, 2009 at his residence. He was 84. He was born in Flatbush, Town of Ulster on May 11, 1925, a son of the late Arthur E. and Rose Sulko Brooks. Mr. Books was a graduate of Kingston High School. He served four years in the U.S. Navy in the South Pacific during WW II. He served as a Baker First Class and gunner on the USS Patuxent and the USS Maumee. He was awarded the Victory Medal, American Theater Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal with 6 stars, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with 1 star and 3 Letters of Commendation. A graduate of the John Jay School of Criminal Justice, for over 38 years was employed by the NYS Department of Corrections. During that time he served as a judge handling inmate court proceedings. He retired as a Lieutenant. A Life Member of Joyce-Schirick Post 1386 VFW and was active with many work projects and social activities. He was active in the Color Guard and served faithfully at wakes, funerals and other ceremonies. Mr. Brooks belonged to the Free and Accepted Masons- Highland Lodge. He was a member of Kingston AARP; the Kingston Loyal Order of Moose; a former 2-year president of the Esopus Seniors Club. Attending numerous Town of Ulster board meetings, Mr. Brooks was an advocate for the Town Police Department, always urging for additional police to be added to the force. He was awarded an Honorary Police Commissioner's badge. He was devoted to Scouting for over 35 years and received the Silver Beaver Award. He was the assistant Scout Master of Troop 6, a Scout Commissioner and trained senior members throughout Ulster County. He became Scout Master for the Scout troop while living in Jefferson, NY and, for 2 years, took his troop on many camp-o-rees and canoeing trips to the Adirondacks. Mr. Brooks was a founder of Ulster ARC, constantly seeking support for the organization. He previously served as member of the board of directors. He was a 20 year member of Esopus Fire Department and member of West Esopus Landowner's Association. Mr. Brooks enjoyed dancing, fishing, hunting and traveling the U.S. and abroad. Above all, Ted was dedicated to his beloved country... the U.S.A. To change one word from General MacArthur's famous quote: "Old sailors don't die, they just fade away." Surviving are his wife Margaret "Peggy" Steeger Brooks; one daughter Laurie Eigo and her husband John of Kingston; one son Stanley Jay Brooks of Town of Ulster, two grandchildren Danielle Eigo and Anthony Eigo; one brother Edward Brooks of Flagler, FL; two sisters Joy Nettis of Long Branch, NJ; Donna Anderson of Saugerties; one niece Janet Steeger of Kentucky and three grand nephews. Reposing at the Simpson - Gaus Funeral Home, 411 Albany Ave. on Tuesday 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. The funeral service will be conducted on Wednesday at 12:00 at the funeral home. Rev. James Alley will officiate. Interment, with military honors by the Joyce - Schirick Post #1386 V.F.W. Color Guard, will be in Montrepose Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Foundation, Inc., 34 Broadway, Kingston, NY 12401 or the American Cancer Society, 95 Schwenk Dr., Kingston, NY 12401.