Frederick Brooks

Frederick Edward Brooks, age 97 of Saranac Lake, NY died Tuesday March 2, 2021 at his residence.

Fred was born in Hempstead, Long Island, NY on December 26, 1923 the son of Edward and Lillian (Freeth) Brooks. Fred married Jean (Mayer) Brooks in 1975 in Scotia, NY.

Fred held several prominent positions throughout his life including being a paid fireman, a logger, a pipe fitter for Knolles Atomic Power Labs as well as a general contractor for the latter part of his career. Fred and Jean along with their children fell in love with the Adirondacks and built their beautiful home on Church Pond. Fred loved to golf, fly fish, pilot his plane and was an active Mason and Shriner. Fred heroically served his country in the United States Army during WWII as a paratrooper earning the Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal and was awarded the Order of Saint Maurice for his actions.

Fred is survived by his loving wife Jean, his daughter Karen Knowlton of Johnstown, PA, five sons: Gary (Cheryl) of Odessa, TX, Ronny (Marie) of Dallas, OR, Mark of Odessa, FL, David Collins of Saranac Lake, NY and Matthew (Rebecca) of Albany, NY. as well as 15 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

Fred was preceded in death by his father and mother, his first wife Ruth (Scott) Brooks, and his sister Mildred Hoffman.

Funeral Arrangements are in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home. Calling hours are scheduled for Tuesday March 9, 2021 from 3:00pm until 6:00pm at the funeral home. A memorial service will take place at 11:00am on Wednesday March 10, 2021 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Saranac Lake. Due to Covid-19 restrictions seating in church is limited. Family and friends attending in person funeral services are asked to please follow all Covid-19 recommendations including social distancing and wearing a mask. Due to the extenuating circumstances of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Brooks family understands that it may make it difficult to attend funeral services in person. For those unable to attend the funeral service will also be webcast on Fortune-Keough Funeral Homes Facebook page.

Family and friends wishing to remember Frederick Edward Brooks can make memorial contributions to St. Luke’s Church or any charity of choice, in care of the Fortune-Keough Funeral Home, 20 Church Street, Saranac Lake, NY 12983. Family and friends can also share their memories and sign the online guest book at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com