John R. Brooks

John R. Brooks (age 75) of Upper Gwynedd, Pa (formerly Philadelphia, Pa) passed away in the late morning of December 30, 2024. He was the devoted husband of 52 years to Peggy Brooks (Rankin). He was the proud father to Bonnie, Maggie Hamson (Steve), Johnny (Jackie), Rebecca Soda (Marc), Sheila and Bryan (Stephanie); and the adored “Pop Pop” to Marcantonio (Hannah), Rose, Maureen, Stephen, Jack, Luke, Grace, Bryan, Nolan, Lincoln, and Billie. Johnny was preceded in death by his parents John P. and Rose V. Brooks (nee Dunkerley) as well as his siblings Patrick W. Brooks, Paul J. Brooks, James T. Brooks and Mary E. Brooks (MacDonald). Johnny was a beloved brother to Rosemarie MacDonald, Anne Brooks Sams, Ellen R. Brooks, Theresa O'Lone Brooks and Cindy Jacob. He was admired and cherished by his 48 nieces and nephews, as well as their spouses and children; He was a treasured friend, a devout golfer, a trusted AA sponsor, and an inspiration to many.

 John was the second of eight children. His early years were spent on the grounds of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, where his father worked as the chauffeur to the Reverend Mother, and his uncles as the groundskeeper and custodian for Chestnut Hill College. Raised in a three-story home on Bethlehem Pike, which now serves as the convent for the SSJ, John grew up surrounded by a deep faith rooted in the SSJ Mission that “We live and work so that all people may be united with God and with one another.” 

 John attended St. Genevieve Elementary School, but it was in his junior year at Bishop McDevitt High School in 1967 that he met Peggy Rankin, who would soon receive, in his words, ”All my Love, All my Life”. After attending Susquehanna University on a track and field scholarship during the war in Vietnam, John left college and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps where he served for (2) years as a field radio operator from 1971 to 1973. John and Peggy were married April 15, 1972 and they lived on Camp LeJeune, NC. John was Honorably discharged in 1973.

 In 1976, John joined his calling at the Philadelphia Police Department where he would serve and protect in the 39th, 35th, 2nd, 8th, and 92nd districts. He proudly wore the uniform for 33 years earning the nickname Spiderman. He retired as a Lieutenant in 2009. 

 Above all, he lived a life full of passions and joys. An avid golfer, he found peace on the green and camaraderie in the nickel-dime card games with friends. His commitment to sobriety and the fellowship of AA were an inspiration to many throughout his 45 years of continuous sobriety, and a testament to his strength and dedication. Known for his quick wit and heartfelt storytelling, he could light up a room with a joke or a toast with Sparkling Cider delivered with equal sincerity. He adored his beloved Peggy, cherishing a lifetime of love and partnership. He took great pride in his six children to whom he passed on his sarcastic sense of humor, sharp wit, love of country, strong work ethic and dedication to family. He reveled in his role as 'Pop Pop' to his grandchildren. There was always plenty of room in Pop Pop’s chair. He had lollipops, tickly crab, boundless affection and “swingins” for all. His memory will live on in the laughter he shared, the wisdom he offered, and the love he gave so generously. 

 Semper Fi, Dad! We love you millions and millions and millions. 

 During his cancer journey, Dad would often remark, "If this is what I am going through, just think about the kids fighting cancer." In his honor, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, an organization dedicated to advancing cures and means of prevention for pediatric catastrophic diseases. Contributions can be made online at www.stjude.org  or by mail to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Your generosity would honor John’s loving spirit, compassion, and commitment to helping others.

 Visitation will take place at St. Genevieve Parish, 1225 Bethlehem Pike, Flourtown, PA, on Thursday, January 9, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. A second visitation will be held on Friday, January 10, from 9:00 to 10:00 AM, with the Funeral Mass immediately following.

 Interment to be held privately.