Vernon L. Brooks

Vernon L. Brooks, 88, of Mooers, N.Y., passed peacefully on October 22, 2018 at UVHN-CVPH, Plattsburgh, N.Y.

     Born to LeRoy & Mary (Keating) Brooks of Malone, N.Y., he was raised in Malone & graduated from Franklin Academy. He went on to receive a degree from SUNY Potsdam State Teachers College in 1952. He also served in the Army for a few years & had fond memories of his time in Alaska spent documenting foreign Morse Code transmissions.       

     Once back home in Malone, he met Joan Silver, whom he married at Notre Dame Church in 1958. They began a family & later moved to Mooers, N.Y. It was there that he pursued a career in the U.S. Customs Service, progressing from Inspector to Supervisor to Port Director, in Champlain, N.Y. After retirement, he had the time to volunteer for WCFE-TV & complete home improvement projects.

     Vern loved music (primarily big band, jazz, & classical) & played many instruments. He even paid his way through college by playing piano in local bands.

     He always stayed on top of the news, from local to global; it was known within the family that when 60 Minutes was on TV he needed to watch it!

     An avid sports fan, he rooted for the N.Y. Yankees, N.Y. Giants, & Montreal Canadiens. As a proud grandfather, he enjoyed watching his grandsons in every sport they played.

     Left to cherish his memory are his daughters Susan (John) Mahoney of Ellenburg Center, N.Y. & Stacie Brooks (Tim Gonyo) of Mooers, N.Y., his grandsons Liam (Carlie) Mahoney of Champlain, N.Y.  & Dylan Mahoney (Melissa Labombard) of Lyon Mountain & their respective families ( Vern loved seeing & hearing about all of his great-grandchildren— Finn, Mia, Aria, & Lillian). He is also survived by his beloved sisters, Peg Gosselin & Pat (Guy) Faubert, & by numerous nieces & nephews. Besides his parents, Vern was predeceased by his wife, Joan, & his brother-in-law Babe Gosselin.

     Vern’s family sends thanks to the staff at CVPH (emergency & progressive wards, especially) for their compassionate care during his final days.

     No services are currently scheduled, but on-line condolences may be made at rossfuneralhomes.com. Donations in his honor may be made to the charity of your choice.

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