Gerald L. Brooks

Jerry was born 13 Oct 1925 in Youngstown, OH but spent most of his youth in Cleveland until he joined the Navy in October 1942. Jerry will be sorrowfully missed and is survived his wife Phyllis, daughter Melanie Hansford, Waldorf, MD, son Craig Brooks (Sue), Aurora, CO, Timothy Brooks, stepsons, Todd Knurr (Emily) and Brad Knurr (Laurie). He leaves behind 6 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. Jerry spent 43 years in the Navy. Starting as an enlisted pilot in the South Pacific in WWII where he served with a CASU outfit from Espireta Santos to the Admiralty Islands. When the war was over he went into Supply and served on many ships including the US Flag USS Pocono for a cruise half way around the world (Africa and South of America) and also served on the USS Huntington for an around the world goodwill tour. In March 1945 Jerry flew out from the Admiralty Islands delivering aircraft to the aircraft carrier USS Franklin, which was 70 miles off the Japanese coast. He had been on the aircraft carrier for two days when it took two direct hits and he ended up going over the fantail into the water. He was picked up by the USS Santa Fe a couple hours later. After rescue he was able to return to the Admiralty Islands. Jerry volunteered at the National Western Stock Show for more than 15 years. His recent activities included volunteering at the Wings Over the Rockies Air Museum (since 1995) and the Aurora Police Department where he worked at the Firing Range. He assisted with Presidential Motorcades and training scenarios at the police academy (since 2003). He also enjoyed many years at the Sheabeen Irish Pub, playing video games, talking to friends, drinking coffee and helping out where he could. Jerry also had an impressive model railroad which he designed and ran for many years. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 3:00 in the afternoon at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 11150 E. Dartmouth Ave., in Aurora. Donations are suggested to The Denver Hospice, 501 S. Cherry St. #700, Denver CO 80246. Please click on ""Sign Guestbook"" to share memories of Jerry and messages of condolence with his family.