Wayne M. Brooks Jr. was born on June 3, 1974, in Glenridge, New Jersey. The son of Linda (Terry) and Wayne Brooks Sr., he was raised in Irvington, New Jersey, until his family relocated to Newark. He graduated from St. Benedicts Prep in 1992. Wayne was an exceptional student and a successful athlete. He was a member of the first minority Sabre team to make it to the Jr. Olympics, representing St. Benedicts. He had a love for music and became a young and upcoming DJ. In his early years, he went on to pursue a career at Continental Airlines, now known as United Airlines, where he worked for over 29 years. In those years, he held many positions, with his current position as a member of the Move Team. His life goal was to serve his community. Wayne made the decision to take the Newark Firefighter and Police examinations, where he achieved top scores in both, making him a sought-after recruit for both departments. After much consideration, knowing he had family members serving in law enforcement, he decided to make the brave decision to become a professional fire fighter, graduating first in his class! Wayne served proudly in the Newark Fire Department for 16 years. Wayne is known for his culinary skills throughout the Newark Fire Department, where he often prepared large meals for his colleagues that were “top chef” worthy. Not only did he cook at the firehouse, he also was a top chef at home, along with the many men in his family. Wayne had a crab cake recipe that was worthy of a medal of honor from the president! During his career as an exemplary fire fighter, he took many young recruits under his wing, teaching them the expert ways of how to become better fire fighters. Wayne, always looking for the value in others, never judged, always giving them a chance. His fellow fire fighters know “The Bear” as a reliable, dependable, selfless member of the company, going above and beyond to make sure his fellow fire fighters were supported, never seeking accolades or recognition. On a Halloween night, Michele’s favorite occasion, while attending his Uncle Roger’s birthday celebration, Wayne planned a romantic proposal to his now wife Michele. They married and eventually settled in Union, New Jersey. Wayne and Michele enjoyed life with their two daughters, Taylor Brooks and Dasia Vaughn, and their two dogs, Zeus and Juno. Taylor and Dasia shared in his love for fencing, both excelling in the sport at Columbia High School. Wayne was extremely proud of his daughters’ academic achievements. Dasia graduated from Ramapo College with a Bachelor of Arts degree and Taylor graduated from the University of Pittsburgh, with a degree in Nursing. Family and friends looked forward to their epic gatherings year-round where there was music, good times, good food, and lots of love. Everyone was welcomed at Michele and Wayne’s home. Wayne had a passion for the Chicago Bears, horror movies, bowling, mountain biking, fishing, blackjack and was an avid gamer. His gaming family was part of Michele and Wayne’s daily household life. One of Wayne’s favorite shows is The Walking Dead; Wayne’s home was known as the haven if ever there was an apocalypse. Wayne is survived by his wife Michele; daughters, Taylor and Dasia; mother Linda Terry Brooks; siblings Jason and Tiffany Brooks; nephew Kaiden; niece Skylar; mother in-law Phyllis Lee; brothers-in-law Richard Lee Vaughn and Tanner Lee; great-aunt Rosemary Darben; uncle Roger Terry (Roslyn); aunts Sandra Terry and Pam Williams; goddaughter Kiana Terry; first cousins who are near and dear to his heart - Scott, Rhonda, Billy, Amenia, Damien, Nadirah, and Nafessah; long-time brothers from another mother and father, Edgar and Oscar Estremera; and a host of other relatives and friends. Wayne was predeceased by his father Wayne Brooks Sr., grandparents Dorothy Brooks and Albert and Miriam Terry, his uncles Bruce and William Terry Sr., cousins Christopher Terry and Tanya Worthy, and father-in-law Richard Vaughn Sr.