Obituary of William H. Brooks

William H. Brooks, Jr., a resident of Poughkeepsie, entered into rest Saturday, March 22, 2014 at Vassar Brothers Medical Center in Poughkeepsie. He was 85. Son of the late William H. and Marion Harrell Brooks, Sr., he was born September 27, 1928 in Port Chester, New York. Bill graduated from Port Chester High School, SUNY Cortland and SUNY New Paltz. After graduating high school, he spent three years in the United States Air Force. He married the former Marjorie L. Goodrich on March 18, 1972. Mrs. Brooks survives at home in Poughkeepsie. Bill spent many years working in the recreation field in Syracuse, White Plains and Poughkeepsie. He was also a state certified Hunter Safety Instructor. He was a man of many talents and interests. In addition to teaching hunting safety, he was an avid hunter and proud of his several trophies, whether it be buffalo, elk or boar. Bill was involved in the arts; drawing and especially music. He participated in marching band, dance band, local opera productions, Cappella Festiva Chorus, as well as Zion Episcopal Church choir; where he was a devoted member. For several years he sang with the Kartuli Group who sing the music of the Republic of Georgia. On two occasions, he had the opportunity to travel there. He believed in a healthy body. He was involved in track and field and had the opportunity to participate in Olympic trials. He was interested in body building and spent many hours in the gym preparing for contests. He received numerous awards in his various interests. Most importantly, Bill will be remembered for his love of God, his family and his life. He will be missed terribly by all who knew and loved him. He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Brooks at home in Poughkeepsie; his sister, Lorraine Brooks of Mount Vernon and East Harwich, Massachusetts; his sisters-in-law, Donna Goodrich, Joan Goodrich and Barbara Brooks; his nephew, Michael Goodrich of Edgewater, Florida; and his nieces, DeLora Brooks of Millerton and Kate Goodrich-Arling of Elkins, West Virginia. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his daughter, Denise Anne Brooks; and his brothers, Eugene and Norman Brooks. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2014 at Zion Episcopal Church, 12 Satterlee Place, Wappingers Falls with Mother Deborah Magdalene officiating. Interment will be in the spring in Walton Cemetery, 55 Fancher Avenue, Walton, New York. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bill's name may be made to Zion Episcopal Church, 12 Satterlee Place, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590. Arrangements are under the direction of Straub, Catalano & Halvey Funeral Home, 55 East Main Street, Wappingers Falls. To send the family a personal condolence or for directions, please visit our website at www.StraubCatalanoHalvey.com.