Eric George Brooks, 59, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, of Chicago’s Rogers Park neighborhood, passed away unexpectedly on June 29 in San Francisco.
Born in Alexandria, Virginia, Eric graduated from Cape Henlopen High School in Lewes, Delaware (near Rehoboth Beach) before earning his Bachelor’s from the University of Illinois at Chicago and his Master’s in Clinical Social Work from the Jane Addams School of Social Work. He has been a compassionate and trusted therapist at Trilogy Behavioral Healthcare for the past 15 years.
Beloved partner of 22 years to William R. Phillips and a faithful companion of their terrier Sarge.
Loving brother of Frances “Rainy” Oswalt (nee Brown) and Larry (Daria Nelson) Brown; estranged brother of Gary Decker and Arthur “Leon” Brown (nee Garrett).
Eric was a dear uncle and friend to many of his nieces and nephews, including, Pamela Wright, Karen Heffner, Leslie “Ozz” Oswalt, Kevin Oswalt, Stephanie Marshall, Scott Brown, Candice Hruska, Summer Decker, Griffin Decker and Jonathan Clayborne.
He will also be deeply missed by his in-laws James Phillips and Michele (Jason) Winiarz, and by their children Jamie and James Philips, Julia Atkinson, and William Winiarz.
In addition, Eric’s many friends across the globe are grieving his passing.
He was preceded in death by parents Faye Allen Shimshick (nee Mitchell) and George Brooks.
A celebration of Eric’s life is being planned. Please check back to this website for further information.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to organizations such as Trilogy Behavioral Healthcare: https://www.trilogyinc.org/ or International Relief Teams: https://www.irteams.org/.
Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care. For more information, phone 773-370-2959 or see www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com.

