Frederick R. Brooks Sr.

Frederick (Fred) Richard Brooks, 94, passed away on September 6, 2025 after an illness.

Born on May 6, 1931, to Frederick and Marie Brooks in Baltimore, Maryland, Fred lived a long and industrious life marked by dedication to his work, love for his family, and a deep passion for the outdoors, baseball, reading, and growing world-class tomatoes each season.

From an early age, Fred demonstrated a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility. As a boy in Baltimore, he was constantly on the move, delivering newspapers by bike, helping neighbors with groceries using his wagon, and shoveling snow during the winter months. These early experiences laid the foundation for a lifetime of hard work and service.

After high school, Fred worked at the B&O Railroad in Baltimore before enlisting in the Seabees (U.S. Navy Construction Battalion), where he further honed his skills and discipline. Upon returning home from service, he married Nancy Moore (deceased) and settled in Irvington, Maryland eventually moving to Ellicott City, Maryland. During this time, he began studying electronics at night school—a decision that would shape the course of his professional life. His training led to a position at Westinghouse in Linthicum, Maryland. While working there under a contract with NASA, Fred’s diligence and expertise caught the attention of NASA officials, who offered him a position.

Fred went on to contribute to numerous spacecraft projects during his tenure at NASA. His work often took him and his family to Cape Canaveral, Florida, to witness exciting launches firsthand— moments that reflected both personal achievement and pride. He also enjoyed opportunities to travel abroad for launches, visiting places like London, Germany, and Africa.

After 28 years of dedicated service, Fred retired from NASA—but not for long. Former colleagues soon invited him back as a contractor for McDonnell Douglas, allowing him to continue working alongside his NASA peers until his final retirement in 2011, at the age of 80.

Fred’s commitment extended beyond his career to his personal life. When his parents, Frederick and Marie Brooks, needed assistance, he moved in to care for them for the rest of their lives. He was a strong presence for his children: Kathleen Gué (Courtney), Richard Brooks (Shawn), Gary Brooks (Lynne), Anne Wheeler (Brian), Frederick Brooks, John Brooks (Stacy), and remembered with much love, Terry Brooks (Lois) and Joseph Brooks, who predeceased him. Fred leaves behind 15 grandchildren, who had many affectionate nicknames for him—Tomato Pop, Willy the Whale, and the Moon Man—including Joseph Shaw (Erin), Kristin Patton (Matthew), Beau Brooks (Ashley), Jake Brooks (Adria), Nathan Brooks (Melissa), Helen Brooks, Marie Hogan (Brendon), Julie Brooks, Ashley Wheeler, Matthew Wheeler (Ellie), Duke, Lisa, Rachel, Micah, and Sarah. He also leaves behind 7 great-grandchildren: Edie, Lincoln, Keira, Clara, Indiana, Ezekiel and Benjamin. Fred is also survived by his sister Ruth Bedford (Michael) and brother Leonard “Skip” Brooks.

Fred found great joy in the outdoors and spent countless hours fishing throughout his life. As a youth, he explored Baltimore's waterways with his childhood friend, Ed Darwin. Later in life, fishing became a cherished weekend activity on the Chesapeake Bay with Captain Ed Darwin, Peter Darwin and their friend, Harry Colbus. He fished many days with his son John and grandson Micah, creating lasting memories.

Additionally, Fred enjoyed deer hunting with family and friends. He had a lifelong love for baseball that began when he was a standout pitcher in local Baltimore leagues during his youth. It continued in the Navy when he wore #25 pitching for their team. A devoted fan of the Baltimore Orioles his entire life, Fred rarely missed a game on TV and attended many in person. In retirement, he found pleasure in reading thrillers and World War II history books. Fred also had a lifelong love for growing tomatoes. Starting in mid-winter, he and his daughter Anne would plant and nurture the tomato plants together, producing world-class tomatoes that became the envy of everyone around them.

Those who knew our very loved Dad, Poppop and friend, Fred Brooks, will remember him as dependable, friendly, and always with a smile, ready to lend a hand. He will also be remembered for his quiet strength, loyalty, and, above all, his love for his family.

A Celebration of Life Crab Feast and Luncheon will be held September 11, 2025, at the Elkridge Fire Hall, 5700 Rowanberry Dr., Elkridge, Md 21075 1pm till 4pm. Please join our Family celebrating the life of Fred Brooks. In his honor of his casual spirit, we invite you to come casually dressed. Feel free to help us celebrate his love of fishing, Orioles and his dedication to NASA by wearing any related apparel.