Obituary: Martin Donald Brooks
January 6, 1952 – May 3, 2025
May 7, 2025
Martin Donald Brooks, 1952-2025
Martin Donald Brooks, 73, of Duxbury, Vermont, died peacefully after a long battle with cancer, on May 3, 2025, in his home under the shadow of his beloved Camels Hump Mountain. Marty was born January 6, 1952, the son of Donald and the late Corinne (Wilterberger) Brooks, and grew up on farms in Alexander and Attica, New York.
He is survived by his wife, Susan (McKernan) Brooks, his son Scott and wife Amy of Duxbury, his daughter Erin Dente and husband Kevin of Hinesburg, his daughter Sandra Moulton and her husband Jeffrey of Georgia, Vermont. 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 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 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, at 1 p.m. at Waterbury Congregational Church, 8 North Main St., Waterbury. A reception will be held in the church dining room immediately following. Memorial donations may be made to Central Vermont Home Health and Hospice.