NORWICH – Lewis A. Brooks, 79, former resident of Hale Street Extension, Norwich, passed away Friday morning, Jan. 19, 2007 in the Gilmour Health Care Facility of Norwich, where he had lived for the past two years.
Lewis was born in New Berlin on Aug. 25, 1927, the son of Edwin and Pearl (Knapp) Brooks. He attended school in South New Berlin and Norwich, and began his working years helping his father in his business, Brooks Garage on Hale Street. In 1958, Edwin passed away and the garage was closed. Lewis was employed for a short time by the Benedict Corporation, then went to work for Norwich Eaton Pharmaceuticals on March 12, 1962, the job from which he would retire on Sept. 30, 1987, as a member of their Quarter Century Service Club. But not one to be idle, Lewis had started his own business in 1986, the Mt. Upton Market, which he continued to operate until 1998. He loved to cook and bake - and to eat whatever he cooked or baked - and enjoyed playing the guitar.
On Sept. 28, 1951, in Norwich, Lewis married Leila Whaley. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Leila Brooks of Norwich, and by their children: Randy Brooks of Lititz, Pa.; and Ronald Brooks and wife Bonnie and Leonard Brooks and wife Joan, all of Norwich; by his grandchildren: Jason Brooks and wife Lesa of Mt. Joy, Pa., Ron Brooks, Jr., and wife Nikki of Norwich, Corey Brooks and wife Jennifer of Virginia, Erin Brooks of Ohio, and Jennifer, Kyle, and Ryan Brooks of Norwich; and 6 great grandchildren. Lewis is also survived by his sister, Thelma Brooks, his brother, Charles Brooks and wife Doris, and his half-sister, Louise Swertfager, all of Norwich; and was predeceased by his brother, Clarence Brooks, and half-brother, Wes Miller.
Funeral services for Lewis will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday from the Calvary Baptist Church. The Rev. Paul Hills of Norwich will officiate. Interment will be in the Willcox Cemetery of Smyrna. Friends are invited to call at the Calvary Baptist Church on Tues. from 10 a.m. until the service at 11.
Arrangements are by the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home.