Jeffrey Brooks, 70, of State College, died peacefully Thursday, December 18, 2014, at the Mt. Nittany Medical Center.

He was born March 9, 1944 in Paterson, NJ, a son of the late Mahlon Brooks and Gwendolyn Gummersall Brooks.

Jeff attended Penn State University and while a student was a door to door encyclopedia salesman. In his last semester of college he was offered a job as the Advance Man for the Jamesway Circus. He quit college and joined the circus. It was his opportunity to see the US and he loved it. After his circus years, he worked as a professional fund raiser for various nonprofit organizations; and, when he wanted settle down he chose San Diego, CA where he operated a Good Humor route. On a fateful trip to FL he met Rosalie, a Pennsylvanian; and, which led him to decide to move from sunny CA to PA. Jeff went to work for Penn State, retiring in 2004 after 25 years of service. He had his dream job helping faculty and students in the Organic Chemistry Lab.

Upon his retirement, Jeff toured the back roads of PA on his Gold Wing motorcycle; worked the Elections as a Poll Worker; and, found his volunteer passion - PAWS. He became a dedicated, long term, PAWS volunteer, being a Shift Leader for dogs, vet transporter, and maintenance helper. His great joy was seeing a cat or dog find a forever home.

Along with his wife Rosalie, he is survived by one brother Douglas Brooks (Elizabeth) of Spring Hill, FL; two nephews, Christopher and David Brooks; one sister-in-law, Jacqueline Bloom Struble (Robert); and two feline companions, Rusty and Ella. Preceding Jeff's death are canine companion, Rexie; and, feline companions, Willie, Ginger, Mark, Elliott, Hobbes, Mr. Millie, and Laurie.

Jeff loved reading, antiquing. flea marketing, history, and following current events. He was a member of the Centre County Historical Society, Mid State Literacy Council, Happy Valley Riders, and the Holmes-Foster Neighborhood Association.

Friends will be received from 10- 11 AM, Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at Mark D. Heintzelman Funeral and Cremation Services, 1034 Benner Pike, State College, PA . A Celebration of Life will follow at 11 AM with Pastor Dave Downer officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to PAWS, 1401 Trout Road, State College, PA 16801.