Kenneth C. Brooks

Kenneth C. Brooks 1927-2012 Kenneth C. Brooks, retired sales and marketing executive, died on Wednesday, May 2, 2012, following a brief illness. Ken and wife, Marilyn, relocated to Princeton from California in 1995; he had most recently resided at Liberty Village in Princeton at Manor Court. Ken was born on Dec. 31, 1927, in Bolton, England — he liked to joke that the "entire world celebrates my birthday." He grew up in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania and was a graduate of Mt. Lebanon High School. He received his Bachelor of Arts in business finance from Penn State where he was affiliated with Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. Ken spent the bulk of his work career in the food service industry holding key executive positions with C & H Sugar Co., Falstaff Brewing Corp. and General Foods Corporation. His later years were spent in real estate sales. Ken served as an Army lieutenant during the Korean War. He married Marilyn Thompson in June 1956 in Dover and together they lovingly raised three children — Pat, Deb and Tom. Ken cherished his friends and had several lifelong friendships which in these turbulent times is rare; he frequently honed his advertising talents and wrote witty poems or song lyrics to honor friends and associates regarding milestone moments in their lives. He will be remembered, and missed, for his thoughtful and pragmatic approaches to problem solve, his keen wit, his gentle spirit and quiet integrity. His children will remember their Dad teaching them fractions with Hershey bars, his calm demeanor during driving lessons, and for the many "Brooks-isms" (welcome to the REAL world!) while the grandkids will recall their "Pop-pops" for his ready candy stash, his races with them to see who could imbibe the most mini-hot dogs, and his love of Penn State and 49'er football. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marilyn (nee Thompson) of Princeton; three children, Patricia Brooks, Debra (Tom) Brooks Forsyth and Tom (Elizabeth) Brooks; six grandchildren, Sarah, Brooks, Logan, Parker, Ellison and Katey; one great-granddaughter, Meg; and one brother-in-law, Max (the late Candy) Thompson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Sarah; and two brothers, Fred Jr. and Ron. Per Ken's wishes, no services will be held. The family is especially grateful to the staff of Liberty Village for their loving care of Ken during his residency. Norberg Memorial Home is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.norbergfh.com.

Kenneth C. Brooks

December 31, 1927 - May 2, 2012