Douglas W. Brooks

Rochester: Passed away on April 19, 2022. Douglas is predeceased by his mother, Eleanor Carpenter & daughter, Erin Leigh Brooks. He is survived by his wife, Toni Ann (Gaetano) Brooks; sons, Douglas (Sevinc) Brooks & Bryan (Stacie) Brooks; grandchildren, Brady, Kamerin & Nyla, Joseph, Bryan & Christopher; sister, Neila (Patrick) Melody; mother-in-law, Helen Gaetano; several nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, cousins & dear friends.

Douglas was a veteran of the Vietnam War, a professor for 30 years at Monroe Community College and an author of several published books. He also had a passion for photography and especially fond of photographing his grandchildren.

Douglas's life story will be shared during visitation, 4:00-7:00 pm on Monday, April 25th at the funeral home, 1411 Vintage Lane. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated 10:30 am on Tuesday at Holy Cross Church, 4492 Lake Avenue. Interment in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. Donations can be made in Douglas's name to Camp Good Day and Special Times, 1332 Pittsford Mendon Rd, Mendon, NY 14506.




Douglas was a humble man. His creative mind in writing was undeniable. He was born November 4, 1952, in Rochester, NY and attended primary school at Sacred Heart, then went on to Marshall High School. Doug earned his BA in Liberal Arts and a Masters in English. He started writing poetry and stories as a teenager and continued throughout his life. He published textbooks, poetry, a memoir, and self-help books. He taught English for thirty years at Monroe Community College, served as Editor in Chief of the MCC Newspaper, and was admired by his students. Doug loved books! He was an avid reader who believed education was the way to endure life.

Douglas had a passion for photography, too, and worked at Kodak as a technical writer prior to his teaching career. He loved to take pictures of his family, cat (Mookie), and captured many precious moments together.

Douglas served in the United States Army and was a proud Vietnam Veteran. He worked to help veterans at the Veterans Service Agency before he started teaching at MCC. He also was a long-time member of the American Legion and served as Post President.

Douglas and Toni Ann Brooks had three children: Douglas, Bryan, and Erin Leigh. The family treasured time spent together outdoors, reading, fishing, and taking trips to NYC. Doug was a great father who cared deeply for his children and was profoundly affected by the passing of beloved daughter, Erin Leigh. Her loss was the most challenging moment of Douglas' life.

He loved spending time with his grandkids. Doug taught them how to play checkers, card games, and would tell them stories about his life. His grandkids thought grandpa was so funny and so nice!

Douglas lived life to its fullest and laughed along the way, telling those around him to "Stop and smell the roses," and "Don't sweat the small stuff."

Douglas played the harmonica and listened to artists like the Grateful Dead, Queen, the Doors, the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Cream. He enjoyed classic TV shows and movies - MASH and It's a Wonderful Life being two of his favorites. As evidenced by these examples and by his passion for photography and the written word, Douglas was a fan of creativity and the arts.

He was witty, giving, laid back, intelligent, and empathetic - the epitome of what a good teacher should be. Douglas was a teacher of life and experience both inside and outside of the classroom to all those he interacted with.

Douglas will be dearly missed by everyone who had the good fortune of knowing him.