BANGOR – Matthew H. Brooker Sr., formerly of Orrington, passed away Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2011, at Maine Veteran’s Home, Bangor. Matthew was born Dec. 13, 1925, in East Millinocket, son of James and Lucy Brooker.
Matt grew up in Millinocket. In 1944, at age 19, he enlisted with the U.S. Army Air Force and was trained as a radio operator, mechanic and gunner on heavy bombers. After the war he received an honorable discharge and returned home where he completed his high school education at Higgins Classical Institute in 1947. After graduation he was employed by Grants Dairy until 1955, when he joined Sears and Roebuck Co. as a salesman. He retired from Sears and Roebuck in 1986 after 31 years of service. During his retirement he and his wife, Bonnie spent their winters in Orange City, Fla., and summered in Orrington. He was an active member of Essex Street Baptist Church, Bangor, for many years. He belonged to Kenduskeag Lodge No. 137 AM & AF, Kenduskeag, receiving his 50-year pin as a faithful mason. Matt was an active member of Eddington Atlantic Salmon fishing club where he enjoyed many hours on the Penobscot River with his friends. His greatest passion was fishing throughout Maine’s rivers and lakes. He especially enjoyed his trips to Moosehead Lake, Jo-Mary Lake and East Grand Lake, where there were many successful trips producing great fish and better stories. Matt will be especially remembered by all for his twinkling eyes and warm loving smile.
He is survived by his wife of 39 years, Verna “Bonnie” Brooker of Bangor; four sons, Matthew H. Brooker Jr. and wife, Diane, of Waterboro, James J. Brooker and wife, Suzanne, of Veazie, Michael P. Brooker and wife, Jennifer, of Bangor, and Brad Viles of Ellsworth. Matt so greatly enjoyed the times he had with his nine grandchildren, Sara, Alex, Myra, Robert, Deanna, Kris, Matthew, Elizabeth and Mallory; as well as his six great-grandchildren. The family thanks all of those at Maine Veteran’s Home, Bangor, for their loving care of our father. We greatly appreciate all that they did to make Dad comfortable and loved.
A celebration of Matthew’s life will be held in the spring at Marston Cemetery, Orrington. Arrangements by Brookings-Smith, 133 Center St., Bangor. Condolences to the family may be expressed at
www.BrookingsSmith.com.