Obituary of Thomas M. Brooks

Thomas M. Brooks, 74, of Maltbie Drive, passed away, peacefully, Friday, July 11 at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Charleston Four Corners, NY December 22, 1933 a son of the late Elliott and Rowena Johnson Brooks. Thomas was a life resident of the area and was of Roman Catholic faith. He married the former Lucille Fasula on August 29, 1954 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Amsterdam. Thomas was a crane operator for General Electric in Schenectady for over 29 years. In previous years, he worked for Alteri's Body Shop and Mohasco, both in Amsterdam. Thomas enjoyed playing Bocci, cards, and spending time with his family, and close friends. He was a very talented auto mechanic and auto body painter, who enjoyed working on cars when he had the opportunity. He especially enjoyed his weekly visits from his two childhood friends, Stan and Hank Dziedzic. Thomas was a wonderful man who was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need, even strangers. He will be sadly missed by all whose lives he's touched. His loving family includes his wife of nearly 55 years, Lucille Brooks of Amsterdam, son, Thomas E. Brooks and his wife, Susan of Hagaman, daughter, Kathy Saltsman and her husband, David of Amsterdam, grandchildren, Jason Brooks and Liz Rosado of Amsterdam, Jackie and Bret Hesler of Butler, NJ, Kristyle and Nick DiMezza of Amsterdam and Amanda and David Downing of Maguire AFB, NJ, great-grandchildren, Kassandra Brooks, Nicholas DiMezza and Richard Joseph Downing, and a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Roberta and Lenny Cross of Rome, NY. Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. In addition to his parents, Thomas was predeceased by two sisters, Doris Iannotti and Beverly Shadick, and a brother, Kenneth Brooks. Funeral Services will be at 8:30AM on Monday, July 14, 2008 at Betz, Rossi & Bellinger Family Funeral Home, 171 Guy Park Avenue, Amsterdam. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 9:15 AM at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church, with Fr. Gulley as celebrant. Interment will be in the parish cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends Sunday afternoon from 2:00 to 5:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Thomas' memory may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Donor Services, P.O. Box 4072, Pittsfield, MA 01202.