Obituary of Michael J Brooks

Ballston Lake – Michael J. Brooks, 77, of Ballston Lake and formerly of Cohoes, passed away on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, after a brief illness with his family by his side. He was born in Baltimore, MD and was the son of the late Jeannette Blair Brooks and Michael (Cegielski) Brooks. He attended Van Schaick School, graduated from Christian Brothers Academy, Albany and attended Albany Junior College. Moved when he was 12 years old to VanSchaick Island, Cohoes, with his mother, following the passing of his Father. Mike retired from Verizon after 30 years, served as Cohoes Housing Director for several years and had a web design business. Michael loved Cohoes and considered himself an “Island Rat,” was involved in Cohoes politics and many organizations over the years. He was a 4^th Degree member of the Cohoes Knights of Columbus Council #192, was chairman of the City of Cohoes 125^th Anniversary, co-founder of the Cohoes Caretakers. Member of the Cohoes Chamber of Commerce, Cohoes Youth Bureau, and Cohoes Youth Boxing Club. Past President of the Cohoes Kiwanis Club, Past Vice President of the Rotary Club of Cohoes and currently served as treasurer and on the Board of Directors. Please remember Mike for his Love of Family, Community, God and Country and his unique sense of humor. Mike is survived by his wife of 55 years, Marie Nocella Brooks of Ballston Lake, NY, two sons Michael Brooks III of Lancaster, NY, and Matthew (Laura) Brooks of Clifton Park, NY, four grandchildren; Michael Brooks IV, Mason Brooks, Sophia Brooks and Dominick Brooks, also survived by nieces and nephews. If you would like to make a donation in Mike’s memory, please donate to the Rotary Club of Cohoes, PO Box 81, Cohoes, NY 12047. At Mike’s request there will be no public services. For condolences, www.dufresnefuneralhome.com.