On January 9, 2025, Parks Township resident Brooks L. Breakey, 88, rose into eternity. He was born on September 12, 1936, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, to Beryl C. and Margaret A. (Thomas) Breakey.
In 1954, Brooks received his diploma from North Huntingdon High School. After graduating from high school, he joined the U.S. Air Force to serve his country. After that, he studied biology at Clarion State College, where he earned a B.S. He met Janet, the love of his life, at Clarion, and the two were married on January 25, 1964. Parks Township was where Brooks and Janet spent much of their life together. Before retiring in 1995, Brooks worked for Peoples Natural Gas as a pipe worker and then as a station engineer.
He had many interests and hobbies. Brooks loved continuing to educate himself in facts pertaining to the natural world and sharing this knowledge with anyone who wanted to learn. He also spent countless hours raising and caring for many types of livestock, particularly horses. Brooks was a knowledgeable horseman who never hesitated to pass down his skills. He was a huge fan of professional bull riding.
One of his prized possessions is a cowboy hat signed by many stars of the sport. Brooks also enjoyed reading and writing poetry. Along with personal interests, Brooks was involved in his community. He was a lifetime member of the Circle D Saddle Club and served as a Grandmaster in the F&AM Lodge #617 Vandergrift.
More importantly, he was a dedicated family man who attended as many school and extracurricular activities as possible for his daughter and, later, grandchildren. His parents died before he did. He is left by his wife of 60 years, Janet L. (Rishel) Breakey; daughter, Mollie B. (William) Cramer; granddaughter, Cheyenne R. Cramer (fiancé, Bradly Milko); grandson, Clayton J. Cramer; brother, G. Kirkwood Breakey (Daria); five nieces/nephews, and several great-nieces and nephews.
Family and friends will be received on Monday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the DUNMIRE-KERR AND ROWE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 244 Franklin Ave., Vandergrift. Additional visiting will be held in the funeral home on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m., officiated by Pastor Dean Ward.
Interment will be at Saint Paul’s Highfield Lutheran Cemetery in Parks Township. In lieu of flowers, the family begs that donations in Brooks’ name be made to the Little Longears Donkey Rescue, 1079 Turkey Pit Road, New Oxford, PA 17350. The Masonic chapel service will be held Monday at 7 p.m. in the funeral home. The Vandergrift Veterans Honor Guard will perform full military honors.
