Brooks J. Poley ’55

Brooks Poley was born Nov. 6, 1933, the son of Harris A. Poley, in Des Moines, Iowa. He died of cancer April 21, 2012, in McAllen, Texas.

Arriving in late summer 1951 on a cattle train to Newark, Brooks then hitchhiked to Princeton. He majored in biology, joined Quad, and roomed with Mike Freund and Peter Mott.

After graduation, Brooks went to the University of Nebraska College of Medicine and had an ophthalmology residency at the University of Pennsylvania. Over the next 30 years — with Ophthalmology P.A. and later with Brooks Poley Eye Associates — he became known not only as one of the country’s preeminent physicians but, more importantly, he was recognized for his close and enduring patient relationships.

Brooks served aboard the SS Hope and the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital, and co-chaired the initial fund drive to establish Minneapolis Children’s Hospital. In retirement, Brooks conceived the idea that inserting an artificial lens will prevent glaucoma.

He loved travel, bridge, politics, art, golf, tennis, and his family. A tireless worker, incurable optimist, innovator, loving father, and friend, Brooks is survived by Liz, his wife of 55 years; children Susan, Brooks, Steven, and Kate; 10 grandchildren; and his brother, Jeff. To them, the class extends thanks for a life well lived.