Robert (Bob) Brooks, 77, of Warwick, RI passed away peacefully on December 27, 2024, at the Hope Health Hulitar Hospice Center with his beloved spouse and soulmate, Dr. Margaret (Maggie) Brooks, by his side.
Bob was born on May 22, 1947, in Cambridge, Massachusetts to Vivian (Glassman) Brooks and Walter Brooks. He was the cherished older brother of the late Joanne (Brooks) Thomas. Bob attended Longfellow Elementary School and Cambridge Rindge and Latin School before earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Northeastern University.
While at Northeastern, Bob immersed himself in campus life, most notably founding the university’s surf club, which organized weekend surfing trips for students from a half-dozen New England colleges to the beaches of Narragansett, Rhode Island. As a young professional in Boston, Bob also discovered a passion for competitive darts, even touring the country as a professional player and was recognized in the book To The Point: The Story of Darts in America.
His skills in these arenas were matched only by his superb expertise in civil engineering. Specializing in transportation, Bob left an indelible mark on the world of sports and entertainment through his work as a lead engineer and consultant. His projects included iconic venues such as the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium, Pittsburgh’s Heinz Field and PNC Park, Cleveland Progressive Field and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, and international ventures like the Dhahran Master Plan in Saudi Arabia and the 2021 World’s Fair in the United Arab Emirates. Altogether, Bob conducted transportation management planning projects for 17 NFL stadiums, 11 MLB ballparks, 7 NBA and NHL arenas, 10 NCAA college stadiums, 4 convention centers, 2 auto racetracks, 3 casinos, in addition to 7 specialty projects.
Bob’s commitment to community improvement extended beyond his national and global projects. Locally, he served on the Hamilton Department of Public Works and as an elected Selectman. He spearheaded innovative initiatives such as the town’s first curbside recycling program and he also advocated for affordable water resources for senior citizens. His passion for the environment and civic engagement reflected his desire to leave the world a better place for future generations.
Bob and his former spouse, Barbara Griffin, instilled a strong foundation of health, education, and ambition in their three children: Dr. Courtney Neill, D.C., Dr. Brad Brooks, D.O., and Eric Brooks, L.Ac. He took immense pride in their professional and personal achievements. His children fondly recall a father who was a storyteller with whimsical voices, a patient homework tutor, a Little League baseball coach, a smooth jazz breakfast chef, and a fervent fan of the Patriots, Red Sox, and Celtics.
In retirement, Bob and Maggie embraced new adventures. He learned to sail and purchased his beloved sailboat, Endless Summer. With his first mate Maggie, he spent summers navigating Narragansett Bay on leisurely outings with family; participating in sailing races sponsored by the Rhode Island Yacht Club, often placing among the top winners; and exploring the open seas. He also played pool in the RI Yacht Club Tuesday Night Pool League
Bob is survived by his loving spouse Maggie, his children Courtney, Brad, and Eric, and his stepchildren Bobby Barber, Cynthia Boss, Benjamin Landman, and Melissa Landman. He also leaves behind ten grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and countless friends and colleagues who admired his intellect, kindness, and adventurous spirit.
Bob’s life was one of passion, dedication, and love. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered for his many contributions to his family, his community, and the world.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Wednesday January 1, 2025, from 1:30 – 4:30 pm at the Thomas & Walter Quinn Funeral Home, 2435 Warwick Ave, Warwick, RI 02889. The formal funeral service will begin at 1:45 pm, to be led by Rabbi Ethan Adler. After the Rabbi speaks and leads the prayer service, Bob’s family and friends will be invited to come up to the microphone as well to share their cherished stories and memories. Immediately after the formal service, Bob’s family and friends will have an opportunity to meet informally and remember his many contributions to their lives and to this world. The burial service will take place on Thursday January 2, 2025 at 11:00 am in the Hamilton, MA cemetery located at 623 Bay Road, Hamilton, MA.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in his honor to the RI Yacht Club Educational Foundation, which promotes sailing and other boating programs through education and training and reflects Bob’s generous spirit, passion for sailing, and lifelong dedication to helping others. https://www.riyachtclub.org/riyc-educational-foundation
The direct link to the Bob Brooks donation page:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=5SBXYSCAVA7WU
