Donald Joseph Brooks, 11/3/1930-4/24/2017 Donald J Brooks "Paw" age 86 passed away peacefully April 24. Born November 3, 1930, in Hartford, Connecticut only son to Alfred and Harriet Brooks. Like most kids growing up he went to school, Boy Scouts, playing, reading, building model airplanes from age 9 he also worked a number of part time jobs in support of his family. At 17 he left home and East Hartford High School and volunteered for the Marines. It was during his tour of duty war broke out and prompted him to marry the love of his life Julia "Gish". In 1952 with his tour of duty completed he attended Central Connecticut College to become a teacher. By this time he had a new family with the addition of Daughter Christine, born in 1952. It was very clear that he could not be the provider he wanted to be on a Teacher's Salary. Having been a Machinist before the Service he applied and was accepted to a Machinist Apprentice Program in CT. In 1956 with young daughter Christine and another child David, on the way he accepted an offer to work in Southern California. "Paw" settled in the Aircraft/ Aerospace Industry to rise from Machinist to Vice President/ General Manager at select companies. He spent the rest of his life living in Southern California. In addition to Christine and David a third Child Glenn was born in 1960. During the remainder of his adult life he continued to enjoy many of the passions he loved as a child. He also now had included drawing, painting, cooking and travel. He supported and shared interests with all of his children and also in their families. (At times it would be very natural to see him swim with the kids, assemble toys and even on occasion get on the floor to color or paint.) He was never one for sentiment or religiosity, but it is safe to say that he would want you to know that he still will be happy to share those Lottery Winnings that will soon be coming and he will gladly share the next ticket with you. You can find him in Heaven likely at the local McDonald's having a coffee, breakfast and talking with his friends or relaxing at home in his "King's Chair" listening to music or watching TV while eating Vanilla Ice Cream or Buttered (Real Butter) Popcorn. "Paw" was preceded in death by his parents. His Sister Joyce and his wife "Jude/ Gish". He leaves behind his sisters Carole, Lynn and Joan, his children- Christine (Darrell), David and Glenn (Janet), 7 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.
