Robert Brooks
East Lyme — Robert Brooks of East Lyme passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 26, 2018, at the age of 89.
He was born and raised in New London, the son of Charles and Anna (Ryan) Brooks. He married May McGuinness on Sept. 19, 1953. She predeceased him Jan. 11, 2009.
He was a proud graduate of the former Chapman Tech High School. He served in the United States Army Signal Corps at the end of World War II. He retired from the former SNET after 39 years as a supervisor.
Robert had a second career as a springboard diving coach for the United States Coast Guard Academy for 40 years. He had taken the Division III springboard diving to championship status. Robert was selected as the 1996 New England Diving Coach of the Year in Division III.
His commitment to the sport of diving also extended to high school in which he volunteered all of his coaching time to Fitch High School and continued to produce quality divers. In 2005, he was inducted into the Coast Guard Athletics Hall of Fame.
Aside from his coaching, Robert had been President of the Eastern CT Approved Football Officials, Eastern CT Swimming Officials, and Southeastern CT division of Telephone Pioneers. In addition, he volunteered for six years as a Swimming Official for the Special Olympics of CT.
He leaves behind his daughters, Charlene Brooks of East Lyme, and Barbara Brooks of New London. He also leaves behind his sister, Jane Ellis of Sandwich, Mass.; and his brother, James Brooks and wife Janet of El Mirage, Ariz.
He was predeceased by sisters, Mary Kinney, Anna Javor and Patricia Brooks; as well as brothers, Charles and Thomas Brooks. He loved spending time with family and friends. Robert especially enjoyed his family reunions. He was an uncle to three generations of nieces and nephews.
Calling hours are from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 11, at Thomas Neilan & Sons Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 12, in St. Agnes Church. Interment will be held at a later date.
The family would like to express our sincere gratitude to Fr. Gregory Mullaney of St. Agnes Church Niantic, Masonic Care, Wallingford, Harbor Village, New London and Masonic Care Hospice, Mystic.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his honor to USCGA Alumni Association and indicate Swimming & Diving - Bob Brooks in the memo, USGCA Alumni Association, 47 Mohegan Ave., New London, CT 06320 or online at cgaalumni@cgaalumni.org.