Walter Francis Brooks

Walter Francis Brooks, CLU, a much-beloved husband and father, passed peacefully into eternal life on August 20, 2024. He was 85 at the time of his passing and spent his final moments surrounded by his cherished and loving family. He was a man of substance - a devoted family man at his core, a man of faith and philanthropy, with extraordinary humor and wit that would span his entire lifetime.

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Langheld Brooks, and his four children: Stephen (Greta), Michael (Linda), Lisa (Lance) Reins, and Kenneth (Megan), as well as 5 grandchildren: Spencer, Garrett, Anna, Carter, Samuel, and a precious fourth grandson due to arrive in December, his brother Thomas (Cassandra), sister-in-law Geraldine and many nieces and nephews. Wally was preceded in death by his parents Harry and Helen, his two brothers, Harry and William (Geri), and his sister Patricia.

Wally was successful in all the ways you could measure a man - from humble beginnings he was rich in family, business, deep and sustaining friendships, joyful life experiences, dedicated faith, and, perhaps most of all, love. He was born in Akron, Ohio on December 8, 1938, and moved to New Jersey when he was three. He went to St. Joseph’s Grammar School and St. Michael’s High School in Union City. In 1962, on a basketball scholarship and as a member of the Delta Nu fraternity, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Wagner College in Staten Island, NY.

After serving in the US Army Reserve at Fort Knox, he began his successful 33-year career with Mass Mutual Life Insurance Company. He began as an agent in Newark, NJ, then moved on to a New York City agency position before becoming a District Manager in Millburn, NJ. Later, he was appointed to a position at the home office in Springfield, MA, first as Superintendent of Agencies and then as Director of Agencies. In 1974, he and his family moved to Tampa, where he became General Agent of the Tampa Agency until his retirement. Wally was actively involved in Tampa’s insurance community serving as President of the Tampa Chapter of Chartered Life Underwriters and the Tampa General Agents and Managers Association. He was also a member of the Tampa Estate Planning Council, served on the financial committee, and served as head usher at St. Paul’s church. Additionally, he served on the advisory boards of St. Paul’s Church and the Academy of the Holy Names.

Wally married the love of his life, Mary, in 1965 after meeting on a fortuitous blind date. Their first home was in Passaic, NJ, where Stephen was born. They later moved to Maplewood, NJ, where they welcomed their second son, Michael. After moving to Longmeadow, MA, their daughter, Lisa, joined the family. Finally, Kenneth, the only Florida native, arrived after they moved to Tampa, which was to become their forever home.

Wally enjoyed cruising the waterways of Florida and saltwater fishing on his boat, La Bonne Vie. He loved hosting large groups of friends aboard for the Gasparilla Flotilla almost every year. Wally was an avid tennis player and golfer, and he could often be found at the Carrollwood Country Club. In his later years, he enjoyed cheering on the Bucs and the Rays, not to mention his beloved Wagner Basketball team. After retiring, Wally and Mary enjoyed traveling the world, loving their trips to Alaska, China, many countries in Europe, cruising the Caribbean, and so many wonderful places across the United States.

Always a devoted father, in his later years Wally took much joy from spending time with his grandchildren. As Grandpa, Wally attended as many of their milestones and celebrations as possible, happily spending countless hours at sports games, concerts, recitals, graduations, and theatrical shows. He was at the center of most family gatherings, especially keen to end the night sharing a scotch and cigar, listening with interest, and giving life advice to anyone in need.

Wally’s humor was legendary, and he was renowned for his plethora of tried and well-tested jokes. From an early age, he and his siblings engaged in a lifelong competition of playing practical jokes on each other. As he fine-tuned his craft, his repertoire varied from long, intricate jokes to short one-liners. Making people laugh brought him joy, and he was especially happy when others shared jokes with him. Despite his love for humor, he often fell victim to his family's pranks and did not always find them enjoyable.

Wally will be most remembered for his dedication to family, faith, and his strong work ethic. All who were privileged to know him will carry a joke in their hearts and a smile on their face when remembering him. May he rest in eternal peace, and his spirit be cherished forever.

Meals on Wheels of Tampa was a mission close to Wally and Mary’s hearts. They volunteered as drivers for years.

If you would like to donate in his name, please visit https://meals-on-wheels.com/donate/donate-now/.

A visitation for Walter will be held from 9 am to 10 am on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at St. Paul Catholic Church, 12708 N. Dale Mabry Hwy, Tampa, FL 33618. The funeral mass will then take place at 10 am, followed by a graveside service at Myrtle Hill Cemetery located at 4202 E Lake Ave, Tampa, FL 33610.