Martin
Donald Brooks, 73, of Duxbury, Vt., died peacefully after a long
battle with cancer, on May 3, 2025, in his home under the shadow of
his beloved Camel’s Hump Mountain. Marty was born on January 6,
1952, the son of Donald and the late Corinne (Wilterberger) Brooks,
and grew up on farms in Alexander and Attica, N.Y.
He
is survived by his wife, Susan (McKernan) Brooks; his son, Scott, and
wife Amy of Duxbury, Vt.; his daughter Erin Dente and husband Kevin
of Hinesburg, Vt.; and his daughter Sandra Moulton and husband
Jeffrey of Georgia, Vt. His eight grandchildren were his greatest
pride and joy: Grace, Clay, Cailin, Addison, Sophia, Jameson,
Gabriella and Marion. Marty is also survived by his father, Donald
Brooks, and his siblings Evelyn “Peach” Merrill, Donna Bagg,
Morris Brooks, Terry Saluste and Kerry “the ultimate aunt”
Brooks. He was predeceased by his mother, Corinne Brooks; his brother
Lynn Brooks; and his daughter Kelly Brooks.
Marty
graduated from Attica Central High School, going on to earn an
associate’s degree at Alfred State College. Over the years, he made
many friends at various jobs, retiring from Pizzagalli Construction
Company in Burlington, where he worked as an estimator. His hobbies
included racquetball, chess, officiating and playing soccer, and
woodworking. Early in his career he was a model builder for United
Scale Models, where he erected prototypes of large construction
projects, a job he dearly loved.
After
moving to Duxbury, Marty became the “go-to guy” of the
neighborhood. When friends and neighbors mentioned a project that
they were considering, he would jump into action, saying, “Well,
let’s go do it!” Without waiting for a response, he would grab
his tools, jump onto his tractor or hop into his truck, and be on his
way. His house on Scrabble Hill has been refurbished top to bottom,
inside and out by his nimble hands and unwavering determination. He
spent many hours felling trees, milling lumber, and cutting and
splitting the firewood needed to heat his home and hot water. Marty’s
death leaves a hole in many hearts, but he leaves many monuments
behind, giving testament to his generous heart and willing hands.
A
service will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2025, 1 p.m., at Waterbury
Congregational Church, 8 North Main St., Waterbury, VT 05676. A
reception will be held in the church dining room immediately
following the service. Memorial donations may be made to Central
Vermont Home Health & Hospice (cvhhh.org/donate).
This article appears in Apr 30 – May 6, 2025.