- Welcome to Daley Life Celebration Studio, where we Celebrate the Color of Life.
Ronald P. Brooks
Ron knew that true wealth was when a man’s children run into his arms when they are empty. His passion for sports may well have been an excuse to spend time with his kids. He never missed a game, coached anything he could and took them to every professional game he could. As a coach he became a father figure to the neighborhood. No matter how checkered a child’s past, he could find the good in them. Ron would take a hotdog at the ballpark over a meal at the Ritz any day. He suffered with the Eagles, never missed the Flyers and loved the Phillies. But when he had two tickets to the World Series celebration, he gave them to his daughter and grandson. He simply got more joy seeing them enjoy themselves. His nearly 30 years with CIGNA saw many long days, but retirement was no time to loaf. His days were filled spending time with his grandchildren, going to Clearwater, FL with his dad, tending to his garden, and spoiling his golden retriever, Chase. rnWhile attending BCC in the early 70s, he was lucky enough to meet a young woman named Melinda (nee Shoaf). Some might think it a bit rushed to be engaged 3 months later. A 38 year marriage certainly proved otherwise. They’re lives were infinitely blessed by their children: Kim Brooks (Shawn Sullivan) of Collingswood, and Kristen of Delanco, and again by their grandchildren: Jimmy, Zoe and Finn. He is the son of Paul “Kell” of DE and the late Charlotte, and is survived by his sister Pam Whitehouse (Mario Tatom) of Riverside and her 3 children, and his sister-in-law Karen Gauntt (Ron) of Mt. Laurel and her 3 children, as well as 2 great-nieces and a great nephew.rnCome celebrate 58 Phillies-rooting years Saturday from 9 AM at the Sweeney Funeral Home, Riverside, where the service will be at 11. Interment private. Nothing was more important to Ron than his grandchildren, so in lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made toward their education at “Delanco Federal Savings Bank” 615 Burlington Ave., Delanco, NJ 08075.rn
16 Comments
Ron was one of my favorite people, not only at CIGNA but outside as well. We worked together for the last 2.5 years of his career at CIGNA on the capacity team where he would argue quite fervently about his favorite teams while I would question his sanity (Phillies hadnt won the Series to that point. He was very proud of his family and especially his grandson Jimmy which he would spend hours relating to us how youthful he made him! His best quality was his ability to mentor coworkers. Along with Joe Morley, Dennis Leghorn, and others he always took time to point out things that you could do better that could help enhance your career. He always had time to talk to you as well. I will miss him as a friend, but I will never forget the golf club that he gave me when he left CIGNA. He was giving me the not so subtle hint that I needed to take up a new sport other than basketball (which outlived its usefulness when I could no longer jump).
Dear Kristen and family,rnrnWe are so sorry for you loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. We offer our deepest condolences to all of you.rnrnSincerely,rnMike and Karin Mormando
I am a friend of Melinda’s and know that, like her, Ron was a very special person and will be greatly missed. Melinda, my thoughts are with you through this difficult time.
Dear Kristen, I was so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. With deepest sympathy, Jen
Dear Melinda and family, We were so sorry to hearn that Ron had passed. Our thoughts and prayers aren with all of you.n Cheryl and Frankn n n
Dear Melinda,rnrnMy thoughts and prayers go out to you, your Daughters and their families. You all will miss Ron greatly.rnrnI was blessed knowing him, and being his secretary. Ron was a caring, thoughtful friend and a great boss. He cherised a neat airplane hanging in his office. rnrnI have good memories of the twelve years I worked at CIGNA, due to the nice people, as Ron, whom I met there.rnrnI will pray heavy-duty for the Grandchildren. They will miss Ron, the young and great Grandfather.rnrnMy husband and I, we are sorry for your loss.rnrnSincerely, Maria and Dick Harnettrnrnrnrn
Dear Kristen, I am sorry to hear about your father passing away. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. With sympathy, Eileen M. Lynn (Bernadette Ronca’s sister)
Dear Melinda, Kim, Kristen and Family- We are so sorry to hear about Ron’s passing. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and an inspiration to all of us; we will miss him dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
I’m so sorry & sad to hear about Ron. We kept in touch via e-mail for many years. I came to know Ron as we were both employed by CIGNA. I found him to be a stand up guy & a true gentleman. I’ll never forget the time I went to the Voorhees data center to meet with Ron’s team. When I arrived they all spoke to me in very slow & measured terms. I couldn’t figure out what was going on until one of them told me that Ron said I was “slow” & couldn’t grasp anything unless spoken to very slowly & clearly. He got me good & I think that one incident cemented our friendship.
Dear Melinda,and family,Uncle Kell and Pam.So sorry to hear about Ron.Our thought’s and prayers are with you.He had so much more to give.Cousin Roy,Sandy and Sarah.
Although we had little contact over the years, I was very saddened to hear of Ron’s passing. I can recall many fun times as kids when Ron lived next to the firehouse and later on Lilac Lane. He was a fine person who clearly gained much happiness and fulfillment from his family. I hope the many memories you share can help ease the pain of the void I’m sure you feel. Best wishes to you and your family. Steve
My heart goes out to all of you. Oh what a glorious day that will be when we meet again in the arms of our Lord.
All my condolences to the Brooks family in the sudden death of Ron. We grew up together in Delanco, and had many great childhood memories..
So sorry about Ron’s passing. We went thru grade school and high school together. Our throughts and prayers are with the Brooks family.
Very sorry to hear of Ron’s passing. Ron and I worked at CIGNA (actually INA before it became CIGNA) back in 1981-1983 in one of the systems software support groups (DPAC). Many, many fond memories of laughs and and pranks we used as a stress reliever in a high visibility support pressure cooker. nn