FORT FAIRFIELD – Gerald L. Brooker, 71, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, July 9, 2011, at his residence. He was born Feb. 5, 1940, in Caswell, son of John and Rowena I. (Howland) Brooker.
He attended Fort Fairfield schools and served in the U.S. Army, from 1962 to 1964, attaining the rank of private first class, stationed in Germany. He was employed by Kendall Co., Walpole, Mass., and Kessler Machine Works, Canton, Mass., having served 22 years with the Teamsters Union as a machinist. He also served as a volunteer firefighter with Kendall Co. After spending 19 years in Massachusetts, Mr. Brooker moved back to Maine, where he owned and operated George’s Family Restaurant, Presque Isle. He was a member of AMVETS and enjoyed cribbage, fishing, riding his moped and rides to River De Chute. He greatly enjoyed gatherings at the family lot on Route 1A, Fort Fairfield, and all Boston sports teams. He will be remembered as a wonderful and loving brother, father and grandfather.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Brooker was predeceased by his brother, Joseph J. Brooker. He is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Brian K. and Beth Brooker of North Lauderdale, Fla.; one daughter and son-in-law, Jodie and Jeffrey Brown of Deerfield Beach, Fla.; four brothers and sisters-in-law, Sheldon and Jean Brooker of Fort Fairfield, Gary and Anita Brooker of Westfield, John Brooker of Fort Fairfield and Randi and Lori Brooker of Mars Hill; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Carolyn and Gregory True of Fort Fairfield, Rita Milliard Morgan and her companion, Charles Tucker, of Ashland and Diane and Joseph Peluso of Presque Isle; four grandchildren, Ashley Brooker and Joseph P. Brooker, both of North Lauderdale, Fla., Brady Alex Brown and Collin Brooks Brown, both of Deerfield Beach, Fla.; numerous nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Liesha Milliard of Fort Fairfield; and special caregivers, Sonia O’Neal, Tammy Parady and Rhonda Bell.
Friends may call 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 12, at Giberson-Dorsey Funeral Home, 144 Main St., Fort Fairfield. A graveside service will be conducted 1 p.m. Tuesday at Riverside Cemetery, Fort Fairfield, with Raphael Gribetz officiating. A time of continued fellowship with refreshments will be held at Veterans of Foreign Wars Paul Lockhart Post No. 6187, Presque Isle Street, Fort Fairfield, immediately after the interment. Those who wish may contribute in memory of Mr. Brooker to American Lung Association of Maine, 122 State St., Augusta, ME 04330. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.