David Lawrence Brooks

David Lawrence Brooks, better known as Papa David in the Oakfield-Alabama athletic community, passed away peacefully surrounded by his wife and daughters on Tue., Nov. 30. One of nine children, he was the baby of the family. He was born on his mother’s birthday, Sept. 21, 1941 to Bernard and Winfred Brooks and welcomed home by siblings; Bernard, Betty, Lucille, Dick, Bobby, Mary, Ester, and Margaret in Buffalo, NY.

He is survived by his wife Phyllis, who he married in 1967. Shortly after, they welcomed four daughters: Tammy (Mark) Cassidy, Dawn (Todd) Wheeler, Kelly Brooks, and Amy Brooks (Louis Gray) who they raised in Alabama, NY. He will be greatly missed by his brother-in-law, Stanley Popek; grandchildren: Erica, Jenni, Kelsey, Jordan, Justin, Jamie, Matthew, Megan; and great-grandchildren: Abby, Avery, Lila, Connor, and Olive. The root of our family tree, he loved and supported us all, bailing us out with minimal judgement no matter how badly we had screwed up.

He was an Air Force Veteran and retiree of Harrison Radiator in Lockport NY, a proud member of UAW 686. He was a lifelong supporter of the Buffalo Bills- in good times and bad. He was also a huge supporter of Oakfield-Alabama-Elba Football, as well as Oakfield -Alabama and GCC Softball Teams. He was well known among the teams and their families, considering himself their #1 Fan.

Friends and family are invited to gather in celebration of David’s life on Sun., Dec. 5 at noon at Caryville Inn, 25 Main St., Oakfield. We are asking that everyone wear your best Buffalo Bills or Oakfield-Alabama-Elba apparel.

In lieu of flowers, donations in David’s memory can be made to Warrior House of WNY and mailed to 22 Mill St Oakfield, NY 14020 to support The Goose Community Center in Oakfield or to Roswell Park Cancer Institute.

Arrangements were entrusted to Burdett & Sanford Funeral Home, 11 Maple Avenue in Oakfield. Please leave a condolence, share a story, or light a candle at: www.burdettandsanford.com