Martin Brooks

Martin Brooks, a long-time resident of Doylestown, died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 94 on September 30, 2025.

Born in Philadelphia, PA on February 8, 1931, Marty was the son of the late Dr. David Marhsall Brooks and Edna Bloom Brooks. Marty was predeceased by Rebecca Brooks, his beloved wife of 66 years. He will always be missed by his son, Lowell Brooks of Doylestown, PA and his daughter, Terri Brooks of Quakertown along with his two granddaughters, Jillian and Julie. He is also survived by his sister, Marilyn Brooks of Shaker Heights, OH.

Marty knew in high school that he wanted to be a horticulturalist. He went on to earn a B.S. in Ornamental Horticulture from Delaware Valley College (now University). He started his career in the landscape industry creating Japanese Gardens. Simultaneously, he created Martin Brooks Rare Plant Nursery, specializing in Dwarf Conifers and ornamental shade trees that he had on display in his personal arboretum, where customers could walk through and see what each tree would look like at maturity. Marty also lectured students from Del Val College and Temple University in his arboretum.

Not only did he run a successful business with his son, Lowell, but as a professional with specialized knowledge in plants and trees, Marty also served as an expert witness providing analysis and testimony in legal cases involving landscape damage or tree failure. In that capacity, he helped judges and juries understand complex horticultural matters.

Marty was active in the community as a member of the Jaycee’s, Doylestown Planning Commission, Doylestown Environmental Advisory Council, and on the Board of Directors of Delaware Valley College.

Fall is a wonderful time of year to plant trees. Marty’s family encourages everyone to plant a tree in his memory. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a memorial planting at Doylestown Township’s Native Plant Demonstration Garden at Central Park. Please write: “Legacy Tree Fund – Marty Brooks” in the memo line of checks mailed to: Doylestown Township Legacy Program – Marty Brooks, 425 Wells Road, Doylestown, PA 18901. As sure as a bear shits in the woods, we are surrounded by his life’s work in making this world a green and beautiful place to live. We can’t imagine a better send off than lifting his spirit into the great beyond on a new wave of life forged in the soil he spent his life cultivating.

Marty will always be remembered for his friendly smile and fun-loving energy. He played a mean game of Rummikub and welcomed everyone to join in. He would want us all to tell some dirty jokes and hold your loved ones close to you.

The Brooks family will host a celebration of life for Marty in the Spring of 2026 so that everyone he impacted can attend and share memories of the incredible legacy he left behind.