Michael T. Brooks
Founder & Licensed Funeral Director
Mike started working toward this lifelong dream at the age of 16 when he began mowing lawns and washing cars for his mentor in Marlboro, NY. It was here that he was introduced to every aspect of the funeral business. He remained with his mentor throughout his high school years, and upon graduating in 1980 went on to Simmons School of Mortuary Science in Syracuse, NY. Upon his graduation from Simmons he served his residency for the Coloni Funeral Home in New Windsor.
Once duly licensed he continued to grow and learn by serving with several other funeral homes in the Newburgh area, learning from some of the most well-known names in the business. Once the opportunity arose to have a place of his own, there was no hesitation when the building at 481 Gidney Ave. went up for sale. Hours of labor and love went into the beautiful building you see here today. Mike and his wife Linda live on the top floor of the funeral home where they raised their daughters Brittany & Stephanie. They are proud and honored to be able to serve the community in which they live, and continually strive to serve with the utmost dignity and respect.
Michael T. Brooks
Founder & Licensed Funeral Director
Mike started working toward this lifelong dream at the age of 16 when he began mowing lawns and washing cars for his mentor in Marlboro, NY. It was here that he was introduced to every aspect of the funeral business. He remained with his mentor throughout his high school years, and upon graduating in 1980 went on to Simmons School of Mortuary Science in Syracuse, NY. Upon his graduation from Simmons he served his residency for the Coloni Funeral Home in New Windsor.
Once duly licensed he continued to grow and learn by serving with several other funeral homes in the Newburgh area, learning from some of the most well-known names in the business. Once the opportunity arose to have a place of his own, there was no hesitation when the building at 481 Gidney Ave. went up for sale. Hours of labor and love went into the beautiful building you see here today. Mike and his wife Linda live on the top floor of the funeral home where they raised their daughters Brittany & Stephanie. They are proud and honored to be able to serve the community in which they live, and continually strive to serve with the utmost dignity and respect.
Linda J. Brooks
Licensed Funeral Director
Linda came to know the funeral business through her husband Michael. When they began the undertaking of opening Brooks Funeral Home in 1995, she was set on a much different career path as a Manager for the Hertz Corporation at Stewart International Airport. Little did she know that in just a few short years she would be returning to school to obtain her Funeral Director's License to be a part of this family business. Linda attended the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science and graduated in 2003. Together Linda and Michael attend to all aspects of funeral related services, and are proud and honored to serve their community families.
Linda J. Brooks
Licensed Funeral Director
Linda came to know the funeral business through her husband Michael. When they began the undertaking of opening Brooks Funeral Home in 1995, she was set on a much different career path as a Manager for the Hertz Corporation at Stewart International Airport. Little did she know that in just a few short years she would be returning to school to obtain her Funeral Director's License to be a part of this family business. Linda attended the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science and graduated in 2003. Together Linda and Michael attend to all aspects of funeral related services, and are proud and honored to serve their community families.
Jeremy Bruce
Licensed Funeral Director
Jeremy is a lifelong Hudson Valley resident, and was raised in New Paltz, graduating from New Paltz High School class of 2004. He then attended Hudson Valley Community College with his wife where they both received their associate degrees in Mortuary Science in 2014. Education is something that Jeremy loves, and he plans on continuing his education in funeral service by pursuing a bachelor's degree in Funeral Services Administration.
When Jeremy is not serving the families of the Hudson Valley, he enjoys riding his road and mountain bikes on the various rail trails that the Hudson Valley has to offer. But most of all he enjoys spending time with his wife and three beautiful children exploring everything in the beautiful Hudson Valley.
Jeremy Bruce
Licensed Funeral Director
Jeremy is a lifelong Hudson Valley resident, and was raised in New Paltz, graduating from New Paltz High School class of 2004. He then attended Hudson Valley Community College with his wife where they both received their associate degrees in Mortuary Science in 2014. Education is something that Jeremy loves, and he plans on continuing his education in funeral service by pursuing a bachelor's degree in Funeral Services Administration.
When Jeremy is not serving the families of the Hudson Valley, he enjoys riding his road and mountain bikes on the various rail trails that the Hudson Valley has to offer. But most of all he enjoys spending time with his wife and three beautiful children exploring everything in the beautiful Hudson Valley.
Ed Goodwin III
Funeral Assistant
Edward “Ed” Goodwin III has been a member of the Brooks Team since 2022. Since joining Brooks Funeral Home he has come to love the business so much he made the decision to go back to school and has since earned his associate’s degree in Mortuary Science. Ed is currently fulfilling his internship requirements with us, and we look forward to welcoming him on as a Licensed Funeral Director in the near future!
Ed Goodwin III
Funeral Assistant
Edward “Ed” Goodwin III has been a member of the Brooks Team since 2022. Since joining Brooks Funeral Home he has come to love the business so much he made the decision to go back to school and has since earned his associate’s degree in Mortuary Science. Ed is currently fulfilling his internship requirements with us, and we look forward to welcoming him on as a Licensed Funeral Director in the near future!
Barbara Alvarez
Administrative Assistant
Barbara Alvarez is a dedicated funeral services professional with a compassionate approach to family care. Born and raised in the Hudson Valley, Barbara brings deep local roots and an unwavering commitment to the community she serves. She began her career in the funeral home industry in early 2021 and quickly distinguished herself by forging meaningful, trusting relationships with every family she works with. In April 2025, Barbara joined Brooks Funeral Home, where she continues to provide thoughtful guidance, support, and personalized service to individuals and families navigating some of life’s most challenging moments.
When she is not serving the Hudson Valley community, Barbara enjoys a peaceful home life in Ulster County with her two children. A devoted reader, she cherishes quiet evenings curled up with a great book, finding that moments of stillness help recharge her spirit and fuel her dedication to helping others.
Barbara Alvarez
Administrative Assistant
Barbara Alvarez is a dedicated funeral services professional with a compassionate approach to family care. Born and raised in the Hudson Valley, Barbara brings deep local roots and an unwavering commitment to the community she serves. She began her career in the funeral home industry in early 2021 and quickly distinguished herself by forging meaningful, trusting relationships with every family she works with. In April 2025, Barbara joined Brooks Funeral Home, where she continues to provide thoughtful guidance, support, and personalized service to individuals and families navigating some of life’s most challenging moments.
When she is not serving the Hudson Valley community, Barbara enjoys a peaceful home life in Ulster County with her two children. A devoted reader, she cherishes quiet evenings curled up with a great book, finding that moments of stillness help recharge her spirit and fuel her dedication to helping others.
Jim & Ann Alisandrella
Funeral Assistants
Jim & Ann Alisandrella
Funeral Assistants
Rich Roberts
Funeral Assistant
Rich Roberts
Funeral Assistant
Tom Foti
Funeral Assistant
Tom Foti
Funeral Assistant
Marilyn Jackson
Funeral Assistant
Marilyn Jackson
Funeral Assistant
John Conner
Funeral Assistant
John Conner
Funeral Assistant
Charlie Alonge
Funeral Assistant
Charlie Alonge
Funeral Assistant
