08/25/2026
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Charlie, who peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior on August 22, 2026 at the age of 99.
Charlie was a proud World War II Navy veteran who served his country with honor and distinction. His 99 years were filled with unwavering faith, deep love for his family and friends, and a commitment to living each day with purpose and grace.
As a devout Christian, Charlie found strength and comfort in his faith throughout his long and meaningful life. Charlie was beloved by many and his warmth, wisdom, and generous spirit touched the lives of all who knew him.
Charlie's legacy lives on through the countless lives he influenced, the family he cherished, and the example of service and faith he demonstrated every day. He will be deeply missed but not forgotten.
"Well done, good and faithful servant." - Matthew 25:23
Born April 21, 1927 at the Bloomsburg Hospital, then located on Fifth Street in Bloomsburg. He attended the Fifth Street School and the Bloomsburg High School which was located on First Street. He is the son of the late Theodore Brooking and Sadie (Marks) Brooking of Bloomsburg.
Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Dorothy “Dottie” (Broadt) Brooking on May 12, 2019.
Charles enlisted in the US Navy during WWII, serving as a twin 50 gunner on PT Boats in the South Pacific. His military service started in 1944, serving two years of active duty and 8 years as a reservist. After his discharge, Charlie learned to fly and attained his pilot’s license at the Bloomsburg Airport, flying both single and twin-engine aircraft.
Charlie had many talents including laying tile in Bloomsburg, PA; assembling jet aircrafts in Bridgeport, CT; managing freight in Oakland, CA. In 1948, Charlie settled in Bloomsburg to marry his long-time sweetheart, Dottie Broadt Brooking. In retirement, he enjoyed traveling to share his WWII experiences, wood-working and assembling a variety of 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles.
The Brooking’s were happily married for over 70 years. Always together, they enjoyed participating in motor sports, hunting, fishing, and demolition derbies. They traveled to Canada as a hunting guide and to Florida relaxing on Daytona Beach. The Brooking’s also owned and operated two restaurants in Bloomsburg. Charlie had a career as a printer at Henrie’s Printing, Bloomsburg for over 39 years.
Charlie is survived by his son, Charles (Chuck) Brooking II; 3 grandchildren, Amanda Brooking, Ashley Brooking, their mother Christina Grendzinski and her husband Craig; grandson, Jayden Brooking and his mother Denise Brooking; his nephew Jessee Engle, niece, Bonnie Broadt Ulshafer and husband Jim; and cousin Linda Fetterman. Charlie enjoyed being with his family who were the light of his life.
Charles was a member of the First English Baptist Church, Bloomsburg since 1937. He and his wife, Dottie, served the church in many capacities but their favorite was as members of the Kitchen Committee organizing events, preparing celebrations and memorials, always serving others.
Charles was proud to serve his country and continued his commitment through his participation in many veterans’ groups. He was honored to give presentations at numerous veteran’s and WWII events. Charlie enjoyed participating at the Bloomsburg Fair Veteran’s stand with his beloved veteran’s friends. Most importantly, Charles felt it a privilege to participate every year with the youth in the Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day Celebrations visiting area schools to talk to the students. Even at 99 years of age, Charles continued his participation in many veterans’ groups including the Susquehanna Valley WWII Veterans and the Columbia County Veteran’s Group. Charles was a lifetime member of the Bloomsburg American Legion.
In addition, Charles was a member of the Red Cross, serving as Chairman of First Aid for 7 years. He helped start the Bloomsburg Ambulance Association, serving as president for two years and teaching groups from Catawissa, Millville, and Bloomsburg, First Aid, even before they had ambulances. Charlie drove an ambulance for over 10 years in Bloomsburg and delivered two babies during this time. He was a Patriot Circle member of the National WWII Museum. Charlie was also a member of the Friendship Volunteer Fire Company, the Firemen’s Relief Association and lifetime member of Bass Association. He was a life-long member of the US Naval Memorial, PT Boats Inc, and the NRA.
During his time of service to our community, Charles was the recipient of many special awards including a Congressional Proclamation, The Pennsylvania House of Representatives Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition, and The United States Senate Special Recognition Certificate.
Services will be held Friday, September 4, 2026 at 11 AM at the First English Baptist Church, Bloomsburg, with his pastor, Rev. Dr. Lee Barnhardt, officiating. A Visitation will be held Friday, September 4th from 9:30 AM until the time of the service at 11 at the Church. Burial will be in Elan Memorial Park, Lime Ridge with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the First English Baptist Church, 700 Millville Road, Bloomsburg, PA 17815; the Stuart Tank Memorial Museum, 309 Vine St., Berwick, PA 18603 ; or Battleship Cove, USS Massachusetts Memorial Committee, Inc., 5 Water St., Fall River, MA 02721.
The McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., of Benton is honored to serve the Brooking Family. For online condolences or for additional information, please visit our website: www.mcmichaelfuneralhome.com