Terrence "Buzzy" M. Brooks, Sr.

Mr. Terrence “Buzz” Marcelle Brooks, Sr., 58, left many broken hearts behind when he unexpectedly departed his earthly home on Friday, July 31, 2026.

We respectfully request that no one arrive at the funeral home prior to the posted visitation times, so as not to intrude on the family’s private time. 

Family and friends are invited to the visitation in the Kowalski Funeral Home, 515 Roselle Street, Linden on Saturday, August 8th. from 11:00AM-2:00PM.  The Military Honors Detail by the members of the U.S. Marine Corps will take place at 1:00PM, following by the closing prayer ceremony at 1:30PM.  The cremation in Rosehill Crematory in Linden and his inurnment in the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Ceremony in Wrightstown, will be private. 

Terrence Marcelle Brooks was born on February 26, 1968, in Elizabeth, New Jersey and grew up on Dill Avenue in Linden which was “the spot” for many.  Over the years, he continually had great times hanging out, reconnecting with family and friends from Dill Avenue, Warinanco Park, St. Marks Park and sometimes the 4th Ward.  Terrence was constantly surrounded by family no matter where he went, Linden, East Orange, Newark, Baltimore through Florida.

Growing up in Linden, Terrence, from a very young age, was known as “Buzz” and his nickname stuck with him throughout his adult life.  He lived on Dill Avenue all his life, attending schools in Linden, including Linden High School, where he played football developing into a great running back.  There was even a newspaper article about Buzz for breaking Troy Stratford’s longest yard football record.  He was so proud of that!  Buzz had a lot of good times growing up in Linden and many of his childhood friends are still considered his good friends to this day.  Among them are Ricky “Shoc” Paige, Perry “Su” Manning,  Mike “Ski” Verdier, Kevin “Kas” Settle, the late Charles “Da” Settle and many more.  Buzz’s childhood friends were forever family; to him everyone was a cousin or brother…..mostly cousins and it didn’t matter how, but you were!  Whenever Buzz was on Dill Avenue, everyone was “my dude” or “my fam”, including Nook, X and G to name a few more.

After graduating from Linden High, Buzz enlisted into the U.S. Marine Corps where he proudly served for four years and learned the art of disciple, order and keeping things in their place – traits that he carried into his personal space later in life, keeping his home neat and clean. 

Upon his return from military duty, Buzz married his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Munoz-Brooks.  Together they were blessed with 3 sons, Tony Hickling, Terrence “TJ” Brooks, Jr. and Terrence Malcolm Brooks, (Buzz really wanted all his kids to be named Terrence!), followed by son, Justin Brooks, daughter, Briana Brooks and the youngest son, Marcus Brooks.

Buzz liked to be around family and friends but as years went by, he had a hard time dealing with all the ones he had lost, especially his mom and dad, Mattie Bell Brooks and Francis W. Brooks his oldest brother, Ronald Brooks, his three sisters, Joyce Beverly Brooks, Yvonne Brooks-Terry, and Tanya Brooks-Kilgore and his brother-in-law, Perry Shelton.  

Buzz was known by most for his voice when he entered a room, having an old English beer and forever laughing at something silly that only he thought was funny!  He loved music, especially R & B style of jazz and rap and movies that had to do with action.  Buzz’s three top favorites were “Reservoir Dogs”, “A Few Good Men” and “Full Metal Jacket”.  He was a huge NFL Las Vegas Raiders and NBA Philadelphia 76ers fan.  At the drop of a hat, Buzz was up for playing cards, including Mexican sweat, poker and spades.  Growing up, the family never lacked great quality time playing any number of games, like backgammon, connect four, parcheesi, uno, pool, and even Atari.  They had an actual pool table in the basement and mom, Mattie Brooks, taught all her children how to shoot pool and together they really enjoyed those family times!  A couple of Buzz’s trademark sayings are: “you already know”, “my guy”, “my man”, “my dude” and “word”!

In addition to his wife of twenty-eight years, Marilyn, his six children and his two grandchildren, Buzz leaves behind his sisters, Tracey Brooks-Rhone and her husband Terrence, Neicy Johnson, Bernadette Pleasant and her husband, Ron, Kim Shelton, Sheilita Joseph and her husband, Carlos, his brothers, Rodney Brooks and his wife, Sheila, Michael Brooks and his wife, Lahsuan, Tehran Glover and Tehsuan Glover, his brother-in-law, Robert Terry, his nephews, Kevin Edmonds, Jerome Edmonds, Derrick Edmonds, Robbie Terry, Evan Brooks, Troy Brooks, Jordan Brooks, Andre Keith and many more.  They all loved their Uncle Buzz!

As we keep Buzz in our hearts and prayers, please remember the line from good times: “United we stand, divided we fall…..”  Over the years, great memories were made by Buzz with family and friends and quite frankly, all who knew him.  He will be deeply missed, but Buzz will forever be remembered with love.

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