Arthur P. Brooks

Colonie – Arthur Brooks, 76 passed away peacefully on November 27, 2023 at home with his family by his side. He was born May 20, 1947 in Cincinnati, Ohio to the late Ernest and Lucille Brooks.

Arthur grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and graduated from Taft High School in 1965. After graduation he went into the United States Air Force where he learned valuable culinary skills. His time in the military helped him grow into a wonderful young man.

After 7 years with the Air Force, Arthur moved to Albany, NY where he was a Counselor for Capital District Psychiatric Center. He also began a singing career with the Traveling Stars. He loved music and helping people.

In 1974 Arthur started as an Assistant Head Cook at Albany County Nursing Home. He loved being able to provide excellent food to the elderly. For over 25 years at Albany County, he was the union delegate and was the representative to help voice concerns for his fellow co-workers. He was the backbone of many of the employees and worked endlessly with the Administration to come up with solutions to keep the staff protected at work.  In 1983 he met his wife, Kathy. They both worked there together until he retired in 2006.

After his retirement Arthur enjoyed BBQ, watching sports and movies, along with early morning trips to the grocery store.  He was well-known for his backyard BBQ get togethers, which were always the talk of the Spring and Summer. Everyone would wait for the call to get his smoked brisket, ribs, and dynamite steaks. He was known as the BBQ pit master.

He is survived by his wife Kathy Brooks; brothers and sisters: Reba (Mark) Bowels; Willie (Carol) Chaney; James Chaney; god brother: David Tillman; his kids: Chakula (Jodi) Brooks; Krystle Brooks, Jandala Brooks; Charuka Brooks; His grandkids; Sowonie Kollie; Komehn Kollie; David Kollie; Angelica Kollie; Cameron Brooks, Kiara Brooks; Chakula Brooks; Nahiem Brooks; Donovan Brooks; Zayden Julian; Tiana Julian; Zyaira Brooks; along with a host of great grand kids, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He is predeceased in death by his parents Ernest and Lucille; sisters and brothers; Lucille Brooks, Shirley Ware, Ernest Brooks, John Chaney, Willa Mae Chaney, Matthew Chaney; daughter Arletta (Komehn) Kollie.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Arthur’s family on Tuesday 11 am to 12 noon at Cannon Funeral Home, 2020 Central Ave. Colonie. Funeral services will be at 12 noon at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery. To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.CannonFuneral.com