Francis "Rick" Richard Brooks

Sturbridge...Francis Richard "Rick" Brooks, known to all as Rick, passed away in Vero Beach, Florida, on May 4, 2026. Born to the late Francis J. and Mary Brooks of Windsor, CT, Rick lived 77 years that were full, proud, adventurous, and unmistakably his own.

A proud Vietnam Veteran, Rick served in the Army Branch in field artillery from 1968 to 1970. Rick was a man of many passions. A lifelong fisherman and boater, he was a staple at the Shad Derby and a fervent supporter of all UConn sports—especially UConn Men’s Basketball. His community roots ran deep as an Enfield Explorer, a softball player, and a dedicated Little League coach and referee. As an outdoor enthusiast at heart, he loved camping, hiking, and swimming. He was a certified PADI scuba diver, he took great joy in sharing his love for the sport of scuba diving with both his daughter and grandson.

Whether he was at a NASCAR race, a Uconn basketball game, seeing a show, or a local music venue, Rick was always ready to be entertained or to step in as the entertainer himself. He cherished countless adventures with his many cousins across the U.S. and shared a lifetime of memories with his beloved “Susie Q.” He also took part in Operation Friendship. In his later years, he enjoyed the best of both worlds, splitting his time as a “snowbird” between the shores of Vero Beach and his home in Sturbridge, MA.

Rick was predeceased by his siblings Lawrence, Thomas, and Marie.

He leaves behind his devoted wife, Susan Brooks of Sturbridge; his daughter, Erin Brooks of Worcester; and his cherished grandchildren, Delaney, Max, and Morgan. He was the proud “GG Pop” to his great-granddaughter, Kathryn “Katie”. Rick also leaves his step-daughter, Rebecca Goncalves and her daughters, Ashley and Abbey (along with their father, Mark) of Monson;  his grandsons, Cameron and Lucas sons of step-son Timothy Langevin and wife, Mary of Sturbridge; and step-son, Shawn Langevin with his wife, Monique of Sturbridge; and their 2 children, Quinn and Nolan.

Also leaving behind many cherished nieces and nephews, family and friends and his best friend and faithful companion, Gracie, his dog. Rick will be greatly missed.

All arrangements to be finalized at a later date with a Celebration of Life to follow.

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