Thomas P. Brooks, 80, of Bedford MA passed away peacefully on May 23, 2025 with his wife of 51 years at his side.

Tom was the proud son of Irish immigrants who raised their four children in Dorchester. He graduated from Boston Latin School, earned a BA in English and Business from Stonehill College and a Master's degree in English Literature from the University of Maine at Orono. Tom continued his studies in the doctoral program at Brandeis University before redirecting his professional studies. Tom had a lifelong interest in writing and worked as a writer and editor for an insurance industry magazine for several years before pursuing a financial planning career. In this role he founded two companies in Bedford, Alliance Financial Services and College Funding Advisors, and took great pride in helping countless families access the financial aid needed to support their children's college education. He was a representative of Commonwealth Financial Network in Waltham and greatly enjoyed the friendships and professional associations he made there.

Tom was an avid basketball player his entire life, played in college, and then began a lifelong habit of gathering as many recruits as he could persuade to join him at the local gym. For many years he played with a close group of friends at the Fenn School in Concord, the "Fenn Boys," and nothing gave him more pleasure than to hang out with his buddies on and off the court.

Tom was a gregarious, kind, and open-hearted man who found common ground and connection with everyone he encountered from all walks of life. He was quick to smile, had a brilliant sense of humor, and loved to tell a tale or two.  More than anything he adored his family and was surrounded with love to the very end.

In addition to his wife, Ann, he is survived by his beloved daughters Alison Schroeder of Bedford and Kathryn Brooks of Cambridge, sons-in-law Tobias Schroeder and Patrick Britton, and grandchildren Anja and Theo Schroeder, Amelia and Owen Britton. Tom cherished his roles as Dad and Grandpa, and shortly before his passing he had the great pleasure of meeting his new grandson, Owen, two months old. He is also survived by his sister Ann Webster of Wakefield, formerly of Reading, and brothers Martin Brooks of Onset and John Brooks of Falmouth.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 30th   from 4-7pm at the Bedford Funeral Home, 167 Great Road, Bedford, MA.

A private Celebration of Life is planned.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the MDS Foundation at www.mds-foundation.org or Care Dimensions Hospice at www.caredimensions.org .