Derrick Dean Brooks, Sr. was born on September 23, 1955 in Philadelphia, PA.  He peacefully departed this life on July 27, 2023.  He was the second and last child born to Harold and Gloria Brooks.

Derrick was educated in the Philadelphia Public School system and a graduate of Northeast High School in 1973.  After graduation he attended Linville Orchid Horticultural School.  He retired from Verizon Communication after 37 years of service.

He leaves behind his two children, Derrick Brooks, Jr. and Nicole Brooks, and his devoted partner, Patricia Vaughan.

Derrick was a very quiet and private guy, but those close to him knew of his love of cooking, dining, jazz, and traveling.  He was truly a Philly FAN-atic and loved his Philly sports teams, the Eagles, 76ers, and the Phillies.

Derrick leaves to cherish his memories: Son, Derrick, Jr.; Daughter, Nicole; Devoted Partner, Patricia Vaughan; Sister-in-Law, Sharon Armstrong-Brooks; Cousin, Karen Jennings (aka his twin); and a host of cousins, family, and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to a viewing on Friday, August 4, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Oliver Bair Funeral Home, 8500 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, PA 19082.  A service will immediately follow the viewing at 11:00 AM at the funeral home.  Interment will be private.

Lovingly submitted by the family.

I'm Free

Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free
I'm following the path God has laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard him call
I turned my back and left it all.

I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work, to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way
I found God's peace at the close of the day.

If my parting has left a void
Please fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss
Oh yes, these things, I too, will miss.

Be not burdened with grief and sorrow
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savored much
Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and rejoice with me
God wanted me now; He set me free.