Russell E. Brooks II, Retired Chief, UFD, and lifelong resident of Utica, 75, passed away on Sunday, June 2, 2024, after a long, hard-fought battle with cancer with his beloved wife and son by his side. Marianne was always there providing constant love and support that enabled him to persevere during his illness.
Born in Utica on September 13, 1948, Russ was one of seven children of Russell E. and Kathleen (Murphy) Brooks, Sr. He grew up in West Utica, attended Sacred Heart School, graduated from UFA, and earned an Associate’s degree from MVCC.
Russ proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1969-71 carrying his patriotic values throughout his entire life.
On August 29, 2002, he was joined in marriage to Marianne G. Mulvihill, a loving and devoted union of 21 years.
Russ was a faithful Catholic and dedicated member of St. Joseph St. Patrick Church.
A dutiful member of the Utica Fire Department for over 43 years, Russ served as the Fire Chief for 13 years. To honor his long career with the Utica Fire Department, the Central Fire Station on Bleecker St. was dedicated in his name. He has been recognized numerous times for life saving rescues. During his tenure, he was instrumental in starting the Utica Fire Academy and the city’s ambulance service, implemented the ROP program and obtained a #2 ISO rating for Utica.
In the aftermath of the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11th, Russ responded with 11 other Utica firefighters in assisting New York City firefighters with search and rescue operations. He was featured in the book: Twelve Valiant Men Utica Firefighters at Ground Zero.
A proud Irishman, Russ was very much involved in the opening of the Irish Cultural Center while also serving as President of the Building Committee. He was a former President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and a member of the executive committee of the Great American Irish Festival.
Russ’s impact on the community is far reaching. He led the Utica Food Pantry for several years and his leadership has been recognized by many organizations including: Man of the Year by St. Peter’s School for his support of Catholic schools, Firefighter of the Year by the American Legion Post 229, Cornhill Senior Center, the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army with whom he chaired the Red Kettle Campaign. The Boys & Girls Club of the Mohawk Valley honored Russ with the Living Legend award. He has received proclamations from the NYS Senate as well as the NYS Legislature and the United States Congress for his contributions to the community. He was chosen to carry the Olympic Torch as one of Utica’s Home Town Heroes. Most recently, February 28th was proclaimed “Russ Brooks Day” in the City of Utica.
Over the years, Russ has been asked to be the Keynote Speaker at several events including the Genesis Group, Utica Dollars for Scholars and the American Red Cross Fire & Ice event.
Russ is survived by his loving wife, Marianne; his children and grandchildren; siblings, Bernadette Verna, Brian (Colleen) Brooks, Gerard (Trish) Brooks, Margaret (Roger) Krug, Michael Brooks; brother-in-law, Tim Welchons; mother-in-law, Connie Mulvihill, with whom he shared a special bond; sisters-in-law; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Russ was predeceased by his sister, Kathleen Welchons.
Relatives and friends are invited and may call on Sunday, June 9th from 1-4 p.m. at McGrath, Myslinski, Kowalczyk & Nunn Funeral Directors, 470 French Rd., Utica. Funeral services will be on Monday, June 10th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph St. Patrick Church, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Entombment will be in St. Joseph’s Cemetery Mausoleum, Yorkville.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Russ Brooks Memorial Fund at the Community Foundation, 2608 Genesee St., Utica, NY 13502 (www.foundationhoc.org/brooks). The donations will be used for the purchase of E-Bikes for the Utica Fire Department. When Russ’s father passed away, Russ made sure donations were to benefit firefighters in a way that they could navigate on bicycle. The Brooks family has chosen to continue that tradition. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Russ’s family extends their gratitude to the many who helped and supported Russ and the family during his illness. Although there are too many to mention, know that we appreciate each of you and are sincerely grateful.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me but also to all who have longed for this appearing. 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Rest in Peace, “My Love”
Messages of sympathy at www.mmknfd.com
Posted online on June 06, 2024
Published in The Observer-Dispatch
