Richard D. Brooks, Ph.D., 80, died Aug. 23, 2016, at his home in Bethlehem, in the presence of his family. He was the husband of Julia (Theisz) Brooks. They celebrated 58 years of marriage last June. Born in Haledon, N.J., he was the son of the late Harold K. Brooks and Erna (Hellstern) Brooks.

A 1958 graduate of the former Newark College of Engineering (now New Jersey Institute of Technology), he earned a Master of Science degree in electro-physics from Ohio State University in 1961 and a doctorate in electrical engineering from Lehigh University in 1970.

He spent three years as an electronics intelligence officer in the Air Force, 1959 to 1961.

The major part of his 33-year career at AT&T Bell Laboratories was in telecommunications device and systems research and development as a distinguished member of technical staff and a supervisor of technical staff. He served as manager of technical staff at AT&T Microelectronics (now Lucent Technologies) for the final three years of his career. He authored scientific publications in microwave circuits, integrated circuits and optical data links and received a U.S. patent for noninverting current mode logic.

He was a member of the Unitarian Church of the Lehigh Valley since 1966 and served as vice president 1967 to 1968. He was vice president of the former Lehigh Valley Chamber Orchestra 1982 to 1983 and president of the Emmaus Rotary Club 1983 to 1984, receiving two Paul Harris Awards. He was both vice president and president for numerous terms in the 17 years he served on the board of trustees of the Emmaus Public Library.

An avid sailor, skier, windsurfer and kayaker in his younger years, he also enjoyed woodworking, playing duplicate bridge, singing bass and playing the guitar.

He is survived by his wife; daughter, Linda and her husband Jeff Beck, of Bethlehem, son, Scott and his wife Bonna; two grandchildren, Ann and David, of Elizabethtown, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Contributions may be made in his memory to the music fund of the church.

A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. Sept. 10 at The Unitarian Universalist Church of the Lehigh Valley, 424 Center St., Bethlehem, 18018, followed by a reception.