• Alumni News
Captain Wayne Brooks

Fallen Gray Bee Remembered For Selflessness and Sacrifice

Responding to a cargo fire in Port Newark, veteran firefighter Wayne M. Brooks, Jr. ’92 died on July 5 battling the blaze. The Gray Bee served the Newark Fire Department for 16 years and was posthumously promoted to Captain.

Born in Glen Ridge, N.J., Captain Brooks was raised in Irvington, until his family relocated to Newark. At St. Benedict’s Prep he was an exceptional student, a successful athlete and a member of the first minority Sabre team to compete in the Junior Olympics. He had a love for music, as well as cooking. Known for his culinary skills throughout the Newark Fire Department, Captain Brooks — “The Bear” to his fellow firefighters — often prepared large meals for his colleagues. During his career as an exemplary firefighter, he was regarded as a reliable, dependable, selfless member of the company, going above and beyond to make sure his fellow firefighters were supported and never seeking accolades or recognition. He took many young recruits under his wing, teaching them how to become better firefighters.

Sharif Muhammad, M.B.A., ’92 described his fallen Benedict’s brother as a thoughtful and kind leader, a true man amongst men. “In our circles we throw around a phrase that a person is a ‘Benedict’s Man,’” he noted. “When I think of my brother, Captain Wayne ‘Bear’ Brooks, there is no doubt in my mind that he epitomizes the spirit and embodiment of a Benedict’s Man. We should aspire to live such an inspired life.”


“When I think of my brother, Captain Wayne ‘Bear’ Brooks, there is no doubt in my mind that he epitomizes the spirit and embodiment of a Benedict's Man.”


Prior to serving in the Newark Fire Department, Captain Brooks spent the first portion of his career at United Airlines. His life goal, however, was to serve his community. Achieving top scores on the Newark fire and police examinations, he was a sought-after recruit for both departments. After much consideration, knowing he had family members serving in law enforcement, Captain Brooks made the decision to become a firefighter, graduating first in his class.

Captain Brooks eventually settled with his family in Union. He had a passion for the Chicago Bears, horror movies, bowling, mountain biking, fishing, blackjack and was an avid gamer. He is survived by his wife Michele; daughters, Taylor and Dasia; and mother, Linda Terry Brooks.


We have received word that these members of the St. Benedict’s community or members of their families have died.

ALUMNI

Vincent J. Sobocinski ’45

Joseph R. Alexander ’46

Edward W. Thomson ’46

Thomas L. Coless ’47

Frank A. Carragher ’49

James H. Harrington ’50

Paul H. Sowa ’51

William F. Ward ’52

Douglas E. Wilson ’52

Alwin W. Ambrose ’53

Bartley Gray Cilento, M.D. ’53

John D. Donohue ’56

Rev. William P. Healy ’57

Robert J. Castle ’58

Thomas V. Judge III ’58

John F. O’Neill ’58

Vincent N. Commercio, DDS ’59

Thomas J. Donahue ’59

Thomas E. Lenney ’61

Edward P. Kane ’62

Thomas D. Quinn ’62

Joseph P. Zekas ’62

Richard P. Brezinski ’64

Michael T. Galloway ’64

Vincent D. Menzel ’65

Harold J. Pareti ’66

Edward A. Konowicz ’69

John W. Fitzgibbon ’72

John Huss ’81

Wayne Brooks, Jr. ’92

Kenneth F. Rankin ’92

Mark Epps ’96


COMMUNITY

Frank T. Downey H’83
Father of Mary Hauck H’17, Thomas ’72, James ’75, Michael ’79, Grandfather of Evan Hauck ’08

Lyn Agresti
Wife of James ’61

Alberto Almanzar, Sr.
Father of Alberto ’03, Bryant ’07

Marshall E. Hutchinson, Jr.
Father of Adam ’89

Kenneth F. Kunzman, Esq.
Friend of St. Benedict’s

Barbara Kurz
Widow of Frank Murphy H’97 (RIP)

Americo C. Parenti
Former Teacher and Coach at SBP

Sylvia Woodson
Mother of Wade ’81

Skylar Fox Young
Brother of Zachary Ciliotta-Young ’00

 

  • Alumni News
  • Magazine