Walter C. Brooks, of Hingham, MA, beloved husband, father, Papa, brother and friend, passed away on May 17, 2026. He was born in Logan County, West Virginia and moved to Massachusetts at the age of 18, where he built a life that left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him.

Walter met the love of his life, Mary, while they both worked at Morton Shoe Company in South Boston. Mary had made her own journey to the United States from Scotland at the age of 18, and together they built a loving marriage that lasted 52 years. He worked for over 40 years at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston, and was a dedicated employee who often worked two jobs to provide for his family. He also gave more than 15 years of service with the MBTA Commuter Rail.

Music was woven into Walter’s soul from the very beginning. He grew up singing in the church gospel choir in West Virginia, and that love for music never left him. James Brown was a particular favorite, and Walter carried his joy for music and dancing throughout his entire life. One of his most cherished pastimes was attending dances at Linden Ponds, where he was, without question, the center of attention on the dance floor. Walter was the life of every party — always happy, always laughing, and always had stories to tell. He was selfless, strong, polite and considerate, the kind of man who would do anything for anyone without hesitation. He loved spending time in Vermont with his family, especially during the holidays, where the mountains reminded him of the hills of home back in West Virginia.

His greatest joy was time spent with his grandson Christopher, who he affectionately called “my buddy.” Whether playing basketball, attending Christopher’s games, or heading out for their favorite ice cream together, those moments were pure happiness for Walter.

Walter was the beloved husband to Mary E. Brooks of Hingham, cherished father of Jennie Donegan and her husband Ian of Hingham, and Lisa Brooks of Weymouth. Devoted “Papa” to Christopher Donegan. Loving brother of Tommie Brooks and his wife Nancy of Orlando, FL, Thelma Jones of Jamaica Plain, and the late Rufus Jr., Billie, and Hillary Brooks. Son to the late Rufus and Jennie Brooks and loving great nephew of Margaret Sandmann of Quincy. Also survived by many nieces, nephews, and dear family and friends.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family during visiting hours on Friday, May 22, 2026 from 4–8 PM at Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, 21 Emerald St. (off Central St.), Hingham. A funeral home service will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 10 AM at Pyne Keohane Funeral Home, Hingham, followed by burial at Hingham Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Walter’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, MA Chapter, 309 Waverley Oaks Rd., Waltham, MA 02452, or to Pat Roche Hospice Home, made payable to Croi Health Charitable Fund, 120 Longwater Dr., Norwell, MA 02061. 

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. What a legacy of love, hard work, and joy he leaves behind.