Obituary: Donald F. Brooker

Donald Francis Brooker, at 86

Chief Donald Francis Brooker (Ret.), 86, passed away at home on July 1, 2025. Born on November 2, 1938, in Boston, Chief Brooker moved to Hull as a child and always considered Hull home. He was proud to be the very first Eagle Scout in Hull, which foreshadowed his commitment to integrity, leadership, and service that would inform his life. Although he moved away from Hull several times throughout his life, he always returned because he was drawn by the beauty of the beach and the warmth of the close-knit community. In recent years, he relocated to Westborough to be near family.

Chief Brooker lived a life defined by service, loyalty, and love for his country, his community, and above all, his family and friends. He proudly served his country as a United States Marine, earning the distinction and respect that comes with wearing the uniform of one of the nation’s most elite branches.

After completing his military service, Chief Brooker pursued higher education with characteristic determination, earning his criminal justice bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University and a criminal justice master’s degree from Anna Maria College, proudly graduating both programs with honors. These achievements laid the foundation for a long and honorable career in law enforcement.

In 1965, he began his public service as a patrolman, quickly earning a reputation for fairness and dedication. He was promoted to sergeant and, in 1980, proudly became chief of police and served with distinction until his retirement in 2003. Serving as chief was one of the great honors of his life, and being a police officer was a calling he carried with immense pride.

In addition to his professional achievements, Chief Brooker was deeply committed to giving back. For 10 years, he volunteered and participated in long-distance fundraising runs from New York to Boston in support of the Jimmy Fund. He was also active in the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association, both while a chief and in retirement. Chief Brooker served as the president of the Plymouth County and Southeast Chiefs Association, and was involved in several veteran organizations, most recently the American Legion in Westborough.

He shared nearly 40 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Ruth (Feurtado) Brooker, building a home filled with love, laughter, and a passion for ancestry research. He was the father of Cindy Brooker (Holly) and Donald F. Brooker, Jr., and a cherished bonus Dad of Christine Bradley (Andrew) and Cheryl Brocki (John). He was predeceased by his daughter Carol (Brooker) Murray, whose memory he held close to his heart. He was also predeceased by his parents, Joseph Brooker and Anne (Jacobson) Scully.

He took great joy in being “Papa” to his 10 grandchildren: Samantha Brooker, Nicholas Seferovic, Donald F. Brooker III, Natasha Seferovic, Alex Brooker, Alanna Bradley, Doug Bradley, Georgia Bradley, Kellan Brocki, and Caiden Brocki. His love extended to his six great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews, and many, many lifelong friends. Chief Brooker was the brother of Gerald Brooker, Desiree Bellor, Catherine Bruce, and Daniel Scully, Jr., and was predeceased by his brothers Joseph Brooker and Paul Brooker.

Chief Brooker will be remembered for his unwavering sense of duty, his warm heart, his deep commitment to family, and the integrity with which he lived. He leaves behind a legacy of service, love, and honor that will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

Donations in Chief Brooker’s memory can be made to the Jimmy Fund.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to greet the family on Thursday, July 10, in St. Ann’s Church, 208 Samoset Ave., from 10-11 a.m. A Funeral Mass will follow at 11 a.m. Burial in Hull Village Cemetery.