Essex - Clayton E. Brooks Jr., affectionately known as "Bud," was born on July 12, 1930, and passed away peacefully on Monday, January 5, 2026, at the age of 95, surrounded by his loving family.

Bud was born in Gloucester, Massachusetts, to the late Mary Connolly Brooks and Clayton E. Brooks Sr. He later made his home in Essex, Massachusetts, where he raised his family and built a life grounded in hard work, loyalty, and love. A skilled carpenter, Bud took great pride in his craft and was known for his talent, precision, and unwavering work ethic. His hands built more than structures. They built a legacy of dedication and care.

Bud loved being outdoors and especially enjoyed boating, spending his summers at Cranes Beach, where he found great happiness. In the winters, he cherished time at the family's winter camp, where

he loved to ski, a pastime he enjoyed for many years. He also played cards every Monday night, right up until his passing.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Catherine (Giovanni) Brooks; his daughter, Wanda Brooks; and his sister, Grace Nora.

Bud is survived by his brother, Richard Brooks. He is also survived by his children, Diane (Brooks) Taormina and her husband, Peter Taormina, and Marilyn (Brooks) Aspesi and her husband, Robert

Aspesi and his son-in-law Donald Hatch.

He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Wayne Aspesi and his wife, Linea; Brian Aspesi and his wife, Nicole; Mary-Ann Roberts; Christin Peterson and her husband, Phil; John Roberts; Frank Taormina and his wife, Jennifer; Matteo Taormina and his wife, Jaime; and Erin Theriault and her partner, Mike LaChance.

Bud especially got a kick out of his great-grandchildren: Clayton, Chandler, and Carter Peterson; Max and Anna Taormina; Vanessa and Tyler Taormina; and Lyla Pearl Roberts. Bud will be remembered as a devoted family man, a master craftsman, and a man who found happiness in life's simple pleasures: time with family, summers by the water, winter in the mountains, a good card game and his love of animals, he raised a lot of them!!!!Bud proudly served four years in the United States Air force during the Korean War as a Staff Sargent.

Services will be held privately with his family, per his request. Arrangements by the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester. For online condolences, please visit www.greelyfuneralhome.com