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Robert J. Brooke of Pelham and Southampton, as well as Westbrook, Connecticut, died on August 18, 2017, of Parkinson’s disease. He was 75.
Mr. Brooke was born on December 17, 1941, in the Bronx to the late Florence and Robert Brooke, and graduated from Pelham Memorial High School, where he was an outstanding All-County football player. He continued his academic and football career at Emory and Henry College in Virginia, and completed a bachelor’s degree in 1963. He received a master’s degree in physical education from SUNY Cortland, after which he went to work for the Mount Vernon Public Schools in New York as a teacher and coach. During his tenure of 33 years, he distinguished himself in coaching football, wrestling, cross country and track and field. In addition to the accomplishments of his students and student athletes, he derived great joy from time spent on the beach in Southampton with family and beach friends, loved jogging and swimming in the ocean at Coopers Beach and sailing on Long Island Sound in Westbrook. He was known to frequent the best breakfast buffets.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Rosemary Graziano Brooke, whom he met when she was a student teacher at Mount Vernon High School where he was a physical education teacher. He was a beloved uncle, godfather, friend, teacher, coach and mentor, who left a lasting impact on all, survivors said.
Burial was at Mt. Calvary Cemetery in White Plains. Funeral arrangements were under the direction of the Yannantuono Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon.
Memorial donations may be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, michaeljfox.org.
on Aug 24, 2017