Howard High School Alumni
Ellicott City, Maryland (MD)
In Memory of
Kenneth 'keny' Wayne Brooks
1956-2026
Born Jan 01, 1956, Kenneth 'keny' Wayne Brooks attended Howard High School in Ellicott City, MD.
Class of 1974
Jan 01, 1956 - Feb 02, 2026
Jan 01, 1956 - Feb 02, 2026
Kenneth “Kenny” Wayne Brooks, 69, of Longs, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026, after a courageous battle with pulmonary fibrosis.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Kenny was the son of William J. Brooks and Doris L. Brooks (née Cassell). He was raised in Ellicott City, Maryland, where he distinguished himself as a standout basketball player at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School. After graduating from Howard High School, Kenny began a long and successful career with Giant Foods, working his way up to Deli Manager. In 2008, he went on to build a highly successful food distribution business through Mission Foods as Brooks Distribution LLC.
Kenny was always most at home at the beach—a love that began with childhood family vacations to Ocean City alongside his parents, aunts and uncles, and many cousins. Throughout his life, the beach remained a place of joy, peace, and connection for him.
In 2006, Kenny married the love of his life, Sharon Stromberg. Together they shared 20 wonderful years of marriage, building a beautiful home in Longs, South Carolina, where Kenny delighted in soaking up the sun—whether at the beach or relaxing by their pool with his beloved dogs Chanel and Monroe. Even though South Carolina was home, Kenny traveled often to be “Butta,” making cherished Dunkin’ Donut runs with his granddaughters, Caroline and Laynee.
Kenny was a passionate Maryland Terrapins and Baltimore Ravens fan and treasured going to games and tailgating with his brothers, his stepson Ryan, and his best friend, John Phillips. Watching his granddaughter Caroline play basketball brought him the truest joy.
Kenny is survived by his devoted wife, Sharon; his stepson, Ryan Stromberg, and wife Diana; his beloved granddaughters, Caroline and Laynee; his brothers, William Brooks, Michael Brooks and wife Leslie, and Scott Brooks; his brothers-in-law, James Gair and Susan, Robert Gair and Jeff Gair and wife Shelly; his sisters-in-law Ruth Ann Meadows, Bonnie Kay Gardiner, and many nieces and nephews, who affectionately referred to him as their “favorite” Uncle Kenny. He was preceded in death by his stepson, Brandon Stromberg.
Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Kenny was the son of William J. Brooks and Doris L. Brooks (née Cassell). He was raised in Ellicott City, Maryland, where he distinguished himself as a standout basketball player at Our Lady of Perpetual Help School. After graduating from Howard High School, Kenny began a long and successful career with Giant Foods, working his way up to Deli Manager. In 2008, he went on to build a highly successful food distribution business through Mission Foods as Brooks Distribution LLC.
Kenny was always most at home at the beach—a love that began with childhood family vacations to Ocean City alongside his parents, aunts and uncles, and many cousins. Throughout his life, the beach remained a place of joy, peace, and connection for him.
In 2006, Kenny married the love of his life, Sharon Stromberg. Together they shared 20 wonderful years of marriage, building a beautiful home in Longs, South Carolina, where Kenny delighted in soaking up the sun—whether at the beach or relaxing by their pool with his beloved dogs Chanel and Monroe. Even though South Carolina was home, Kenny traveled often to be “Butta,” making cherished Dunkin’ Donut runs with his granddaughters, Caroline and Laynee.
Kenny was a passionate Maryland Terrapins and Baltimore Ravens fan and treasured going to games and tailgating with his brothers, his stepson Ryan, and his best friend, John Phillips. Watching his granddaughter Caroline play basketball brought him the truest joy.
Kenny is survived by his devoted wife, Sharon; his stepson, Ryan Stromberg, and wife Diana; his beloved granddaughters, Caroline and Laynee; his brothers, William Brooks, Michael Brooks and wife Leslie, and Scott Brooks; his brothers-in-law, James Gair and Susan, Robert Gair and Jeff Gair and wife Shelly; his sisters-in-law Ruth Ann Meadows, Bonnie Kay Gardiner, and many nieces and nephews, who affectionately referred to him as their “favorite” Uncle Kenny. He was preceded in death by his stepson, Brandon Stromberg.
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 4801 Ilchester Road, Ellicott City, MD 21043, on Monday February 16, 2026 at 11:00 am. A private interment will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation to further research in hopes of finding a cure. Donations can be made directly on the website at https://www.pulmonaryfibrosis.org/ or via mail to 223 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 350, Chicago, IL 60606.
Kenny will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving brother, best friend, beloved “Butta” to his granddaughters, whose love and laughter filled every room. In life and now in memory, Kenny was always chasing sunbeams—and lighting the way for those who loved him.
Please remember Kenny by signing his guestbook, and viewing his photo album.
Online condolences may be sent to the family through www.peacefulalternatives.com.
Kenny will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving brother, best friend, beloved “Butta” to his granddaughters, whose love and laughter filled every room. In life and now in memory, Kenny was always chasing sunbeams—and lighting the way for those who loved him.
Please remember Kenny by signing his guestbook, and viewing his photo album.
Online condolences may be sent to the family through www.peacefulalternatives.com.