Charles J. Brooking "Pappy" - April 21st, 1927 - August 22nd, 2026
WW2 PT Boat Sailor and American Hero
Charles Brooking Obituary
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Charlie, who peacefully went to be with his Lord and Savior on August 22, 2026 at the age of 99.
Charlie was a proud World War II Navy veteran who served his country with honor and distinction. His 99 years were filled with unwavering faith, deep love for his family and friends, and a commitment to living each day with purpose and grace.
As a devout Christian, Charlie found strength and comfort in his faith throughout his long and meaningful life. Charlie was beloved by many and his warmth, wisdom, and generous spirit touched the lives of all who knew him.
Charlie’s legacy lives on through the countless lives he influenced, the family he cherished, and the example of service and faith he demonstrated every day. He will be deeply missed but not forgotten.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23
Born April 21, 1927 at the Bloomsburg Hospital, then located on Fifth Street in Bloomsburg. He attended the Fifth Street School and the Bloomsburg High School which was located on First Street. He is the son of the late Theodore Brooking and Sadie (Marks) Brooking of Bloomsburg.
Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth Dorothy “Dottie” (Broadt) Brooking on May 12, 2019.
Charles enlisted in the US Navy during WWII, serving as a twin 50 gunner on PT Boats in the South Pacific. His military service started in 1944, serving two years of active duty and 8 years as a reservist. After his discharge, Charlie learned to fly and attained his pilot’s license at the Bloomsburg Airport, flying both single and twin-engine aircraft.
Charlie had many talents including laying tile in Bloomsburg, PA; assembling jet aircrafts in Bridgeport, CT; managing freight in Oakland, CA. In 1948, Charlie settled in Bloomsburg to marry his long-time sweetheart, Dottie Broadt Brooking. In retirement, he enjoyed traveling to share his WWII experiences, wood-working and assembling a variety of 1000-piece jigsaw puzzles.
The Brooking’s were happily married for over 70 years. Always together, they enjoyed participating in motor sports, hunting, fishing, and demolition derbies. They traveled to Canada as a hunting guide and to Florida relaxing on Daytona Beach. The Brooking’s also owned and operated two restaurants in Bloomsburg. Charlie had a career as a printer at Henrie’s Printing, Bloomsburg for over 39 years.
Charlie is survived by his son, Charles (Chuck) Brooking II; 3 grandchildren, Amanda Brooking, Ashley Brooking, their mother Christina Grendzinski and her husband Craig; grandson, Jayden Brooking and his mother Denise Brooking; his nephew Jessee Engle, niece, Bonnie Broadt Ulshafer and husband Jim; and cousin Linda Fetterman. Charlie enjoyed being with his family who were the light of his life.
Charles was a member of the First English Baptist Church, Bloomsburg since 1937. He and his wife, Dottie, served the church in many capacities but their favorite was as members of the Kitchen Committee organizing events, preparing celebrations and memorials, always serving others.
Charles was proud to serve his country and continued his commitment through his participation in many veterans’ groups. He was honored to give presentations at numerous veteran’s and WWII events. Charlie enjoyed participating at the Bloomsburg Fair Veteran’s stand with his beloved veteran’s friends. Most importantly, Charles felt it a privilege to participate every year with the youth in the Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day Celebrations visiting area schools to talk to the students. Even at 99 years of age, Charles continued his participation in many veterans’ groups including the Susquehanna Valley WWII Veterans and the Columbia County Veteran’s Group. Charles was a lifetime member of the Bloomsburg American Legion.
In addition, Charles was a member of the Red Cross, serving as Chairman of First Aid for 7 years. He helped start the Bloomsburg Ambulance Association, serving as president for two years and teaching groups from Catawissa, Millville, and Bloomsburg, First Aid, even before they had ambulances. Charlie drove an ambulance for over 10 years in Bloomsburg and delivered two babies during this time. He was a Patriot Circle member of the National WWII Museum. Charlie was also a member of the Friendship Volunteer Fire Company, the Firemen’s Relief Association and lifetime member of Bass Association. He was a life-long member of the US Naval Memorial, PT Boats Inc, and the NRA.
During his time of service to our community, Charles was the recipient of many special awards including a Congressional Proclamation, The Pennsylvania House of Representatives Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition, and The United States Senate Special Recognition Certificate.
Services will be held Friday, September 4, 2026 at 11 AM at the First English Baptist Church, Bloomsburg, with his pastor, Rev. Dr. Lee Barnhardt, officiating. A Visitation will be held Friday, September 4th from 9:30 AM until the time of the service at 11 at the Church. Burial will be in Elan Memorial Park, Lime Ridge with full military honors.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to the First English Baptist Church, 700 Millville Road, Bloomsburg, PA 17815; the Stuart Tank Memorial Museum, 309 Vine St., Berwick, PA 18603 ; or Battleship Cove, USS Massachusetts Memorial Committee, Inc., 5 Water St., Fall River, MA 02721.
The McMichael Funeral Home, Inc., of Benton is honored to serve the Brooking Family. For online condolences or for additional information, please visit our website: www.mcmichaelfuneralhome.com
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charles J. Brooking, please visit our floral store.
Charles Brooking was born in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, a small town surrounded by farmland. He was still in high school when he decided to join the U.S. Navy as so many young American’s did after the attack on the US Fleet Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor on December 7th, 1941.
Charles was a gunner’s mate second class on several PT boats, while serving in the South Pacific during WW2. His boats were armed with torpedoes and machine guns for cutting enemy supply lines and harassing enemy forces. The Japanese referred to these boats as “mosquito boats.” Charles continued to serve his country in the Navy until 1954, when he was discharged due to injury. He later moved to California and took a job with Inner Urban Express on the freight platform. Charlie is a very amazing man, who’s life has taken many interesting turns.
He would later be part of the printing industry, which is very dear to my heart as I have spent over “50” years myself. The most amazing fact, which I didn’t know, was the boats were made of wooden planks. After the war the entire fleet was burned as they had outlived their usefulness. Without these boats and the sailors, who manned them, the Pacific War might have had a very different outcome. Come to our event this October and have a few conversations with Charlie or in the Navy, swap some sea stories. He is my hero and his life is what makes our country great. Charlie just turned 98 on April 21st, 2025 and I can still see in his eyes that 18 year old swabbie in the South Pacific serving on PT boats and manning the twin 50 calibers.
Anita Louise Leach - May 11th, 1962 - June 1st, 2026
I first met Anita during the 2008–2009 Presidential Inauguration of Barack Obama. We were both members of the Armed Forces Inaugural Committee in Washington, D.C., supporting the military mission for that historic event. From the very beginning, I was impressed by her professionalism, dedication, and commitment to serving others.
Over the years, Anita became one of my dearest friends. We stayed in close contact and often talked about bringing together fellow committee members for reunions. I was honored when she agreed to serve as President of my nonprofit organization. Her leadership, wisdom, and unwavering support helped guide our mission and inspired everyone around her.
There were many times, I would call my dearest friend, on long trips home each day from work. It was usually a 2 hour drive from my Maryland job to my PA home. She would keep me awake on the road and I would do the same for her on her trips to see her sister in Oklahoma. Anita had a complete heart of gold. They don’t make many like her and I miss her very much.
One of the greatest lessons Anita taught me was that true leadership is about serving others with humility, kindness, and integrity. No matter how demanding her responsibilities were, she always made time to help a friend, mentor a colleague, or encourage someone who needed support.
What I will remember most is her generous spirit. Anita had a unique ability to make people feel valued and appreciated. She was one of the most giving individuals I have ever known, and her friendship enriched my life in countless ways.
I will forever cherish the memories we shared and the example she set through a lifetime of service to her family, her country, and her friends. Anita’s legacy of compassion, dedication, and selfless service will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her.
Rest in peace, my dear friend. You will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.
Ron Falciano
Ronald,
A tree has been planted as a living legacy for Anita Leach.
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Dear Robert, Stacy, Jason, Theresa & Family –
You have my deepest sympathies for the loss of Anita. She was an amazing woman & very dear friend.
Anita Louise Wald Leach, Lt. Col., USAF, (retired), resident of O’Fallon Township, Ill., passed away on June 1, 2026, at the age of 64. She was born and raised on the west side of Tulsa and attended Daniel Webster High School, where she was president of her Senior Class. She was known by those who loved her as someone full of heart, strength, and deep devotion to her family.
Anita joined the United States Air Force in 1987 and went on to earn her master’s law degree from St. Louis University. She was adjunct professor at McKendree University in Lebanon, Ill., and assisted with training law students at Southern Illinois University (SIUE), in Edwardsville, Ill.
During her years of military service, she worked in Human Resource Administration, serving at the Pentagon as an assistant to high-level executives and dignitaries. She also completed two tours in the Middle East and a year in Korea. She served as Commander of the 90th Mission Support Squadron at FE Warren AFB, Inspector General West at National Geospatial Intelligence Agency (NGA) in St. Louis, and Chief of Readiness & Integration Division at HQ AMC, Scott AFB, Ill., among several other leadership positions. Even after retiring from the Air Force, Anita continued to serve others through her work with the Federal Executive Board, where she had only recently retired.
Anita will be remembered for the way she cared for people. She was giving and generous, always ready to help family, friends, or even a stranger who needed kindness. She loved the St. Louis Cardinals and brought warmth, and a steady presence to those around her.
Anita was preceded in death by her mother, Elaine Hope Bettis, her sister, Jerri Bettis, and her brother, Paul Wald.
She is survived by her husband, Robert Leach, her daughter, Stacey Leach, her son, Jason Leach, and her sister, Theresa Bettis. Memorial donations in her honor would be appreciated to the American Red Cross, as Anita was grateful for their assistance provided to her years ago while serving abroad.
Funeral Services will be held in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, under the direction of Floral Haven Funeral Home. She will be laid to rest with family members at Floral Haven Cemetery, Broken Arrow, OK. Local assistance was provided by Wolfersberger Funeral Home, O’Fallon, IL, where one may message the family or post an online condolence at https://www.wfh-ofallon.com.
Harold "Bud" Pressel - February 3rd, 1924 - January 5th, 2026
Harold received his Purple Heart Medal days before his 101 Birthday
DALLASTOWN, Pa. (WHTM) — A 100-year-old veteran in York County received his Purple Heart 80 years later.
“The Purple Heart means quite a bit,” Sergeant Harold “Bud” Pressel told abc27 News. “But I wasn’t sure I’d get it.
The World War II Veteran received the medal Wednesday at the American Legion Post 605 in Dallastown.
Regarding the ceremony, “this was a big surprise,” Pressel said. “So many people and then have the general present it, that was even bigger.”
Pressel grew up in York and enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force in 1943.
On Feb. 7, 1945, Pressel was on his third combat mission. His B-24 Liberator was shot down after a bombing run in Germany. He bailed from the aircraft and when he landed, he ruptured his left ear and was captured.
“There were some four or five Hungarian young guys came over and got me and picked me up,” Pressel said. “They really treated me good. They were nice young men.
Though, Pressel said “they took my watch and I didn’t get that back.”
“Though they never met in many ways, Major Olsen and Sergeant Pressel’s experiences are remarkably similar and it is fitting that we can honor them both here today,” Lyons said.
Olsen grew up in Chicago and enlisted in the Army.
On June 13, 1944, just a week after D-Day, he was flying his 15th combat mission, a bombing raid on Munich.
Both were liberated on April 29, 1945.
Happy 101st Birthday to a Hero
