Robert Brooks

Robert Brooks, a lifelong educator, scholar, and devoted community volunteer, passed away May 25, 2025 at the age of 98. His extraordinary life was marked by a deep commitment to learning, language, and service.

Born November 25, 1927 in Cleveland, Ohio, Robert was educated in the Cleveland Public Schools, attending Hazel Dell Elementary, Patrick Henry Junior High, and Glenville High School, where he graduated as Salutatorian and was a proud member of the National Honor Society. He went on to earn his undergraduate degree at Cleveland College of Western Reserve University, graduating cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts.

His pursuit of academic excellence continued overseas, where he obtained a degree in Letters from the University of Paris and studied at the Institut de Phonétique in Paris. He furthered his education through advanced programs at Middlebury College, Georgetown University, the University of Notre Dame, and the University of Michigan.

Robert served his country honorably during the Korean War, manning an anti-aircraft battery and later serving in the infantry in Germany.

A gifted linguist and passionate educator, Robert dedicated his professional life to teaching and language instruction. He taught French at the elementary level in Cleveland Public Schools and served as a demonstration teacher at Western Reserve University and UCLA. He also instructed future educators as a methods instructor at Cleveland State University and the NDEA Institute at the University of Akron. Additionally, he taught Yiddish at the Workmen’s Circle School. His dedication to language education extended to authorship—he published and co-authored several textbook series in French and Spanish.

Robert’s professional affiliations were many and reflected his devotion to his craft. He served on the Board of Trustees for the Cleveland Maison Française and was an active member of the American Association of Teachers of French and the Ohio Modern Language Teachers Association, where he once held the role of President.

He received numerous accolades throughout his life, including the prestigious Jennings Scholar award from the Martha Holden Jennings Foundation, recognizing his outstanding contributions to education in Cleveland.

Robert’s sense of civic duty was as strong as his academic drive. He volunteered his time generously, contributing to Project Learn, Health Hill Hospital for Children, the Visitor Information Center, WCPN Public Radio, the Cleveland Playhouse, and the Sign Stage Theatre. His lifelong commitment to community, culture, and learning left a meaningful mark on countless individuals.

Robert Brooks lived a life of purpose, intellect, and compassion. His legacy as an educator and community servant will endure in the lives of those he taught, mentored, and inspired.

He will be deeply missed.

Robert was the son of Isadore and Celia Brooks; dear brother of Rosalind Rothman who passed away in 2006.

Graveside funeral services will be held at Zion Memorial Park, 5461 Northfield Rd, Bedford Heights, Ohio on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 3 PM.

Funeral arrangements under the direction of Berkowitz-Kumin-Bookatz Memorial Chapel (216) 932-7900