John P. Brooks Sr., 91

John P. Brooks Sr., 91

ALTON — John Phillips Brooks Sr., age 91, of Barnes Avenue in Alton, died Oct. 25, 2016.

Born Nov. 30, 1924, in Kittery, Maine, a son of Herbert and Sarah "Sadie" (Woodward) Brooks, John was one of 12 children.

He resided in Alton the past 15 years, having previously resided on Chalk Pond in New Durham, since 1979.

John served in the Army during World War II. He was a surviving member of the 1st Infantry Division "The Big Red One," having landed on Omaha Beach on D-Day June 6, 1944. He also took part in the Battle of the Bulge along with many other conflicts. John was a recipient of multiple Purple Hearts, a Bronze Star as well as many other honors for his military service.

He retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 30 years. John also worked as a courier for Robbins Auto Parts in Dover for 14 years.

John was a communicant at St. Katharine Drexel Church, a member of the Knights of Columbus, a member of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Alton Seniors and Wolfeboro Senior Citizens Club.

John led a very full and active life. He was always happy, a great storyteller, had many friends, and loved to make people laugh. He proudly served as grand marshal with the American Legion at the Memorial Day Parade this year.

He is survived by his wife, Paulette Alden Brooks, five children, John Brooks Jr., Greg Brooks, Carol (Tina) Scarbrough and husband Joe, Roger Brooks and partner Christine Ashburn, Paul Brooks and wife Cheryl; three stepchildren, Dawn Law and husband Steve, John Alden and friend Kim, and Ric Alden and wife Cathy; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two sisters, Ruth Slonski and Janet Still; and many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Nancy (Rocco) Brooks.

Calling hours are Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Peaslee Alton Funeral Home, 12 School St., Alton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, Oct. 29, at 10 a.m. at St. Katharine Drexel Church, Hidden Spring's Road (Route 28 North) in Alton, with the Rev. Robert F. Cole, pastor, as celebrant. Interment with military honors by the United States Army will be on Monday at 11 a.m. at the State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

To express condolences, please visit: www.peasleefuneralhome.com