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Philip Brett Obituary

Philip Eugene Brett, 66
PORTLAND -- Philip Eugene Brett, 66, passed away on Friday, May 13, 2011, at his home in Portland. Philip was born the youngest of 12 children in Portland on Dec. 30, 1944, the son of John L. and Grace (Bruns) Brett Sr. He was a graduate of Portland High School, class of 1963.
Philip was a lifelong resident of Portland and in his earlier years he worked at Health Tex and Porteous. He afterward began a career as a custodian with the Portland Public Schools where he had worked for the past 23 years until his unexpected passing on Friday.
Phil enjoyed bowling and softball. He also loved to travel, especially to his 'second home,' Chicago. He loved and cherished his family and friends and looked forward to spending time with them on the holidays.
Besides his parents he was predeceased by his four sisters, Leona, Mildred and Pauline Brett, and Shirley Turenne, and his two brothers, Wesley and Ronald Brett. He was also predeceased by his brother-in-law, Frank Strmecki. He is survived by his daughter Kelli Brett of Westbrook; his three brothers and their spouses, John and Virginia Brett Jr., Ralph and Mary Brett and Robert and Cheryl Brett, all of Portland, and his two sisters, Charlotte Strmecki of Chicago and Phyllis and her husband Robert Biggar of Stone Mountain, Ga. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, friends and extended family to whom he was affectionately known as 'Uncle Phil.'
Relatives and friends are invited to attend at time of visitation on Wednesday, May 18, 2011, from 4 to 7 p.m., at the Jones, Rich & Hutchins Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 19, 2011, at the funeral Home. Graveside committal services and interment will follow in Brooklawn Memorial Park. Please visit www.jonesrichandhutchins.com for additional information and to sign Phil's guest book.
Philip Eugene Brett
Jones, Rich & Hutchins
Funeral Home & Cremation Service
775-3763

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram from May 16 to May 17, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Philip Brett

Not sure what to say?





Linda Picard

June 2, 2011

One more message for my dear friend, Philip. I dressed up for you, you always had a compliment for me every morning at Clifford and always made me laugh. You would hide around corners and think I wouldn't see you and I'd sneak and hide as well. You'd think we were 10 years old. We worked as custodians together for three summer and I loved having our summer cook outs with John and Bobby. I can still smell your burgers. I will think of you when I hear Chicago and the time you, Loretta and I went to see them in concert. You were always so young at heart Philip, that's why it's so hard to see your gone. I appreciate every day now and look up at the sky and say "Hey Philip!" I still love my Red Sox that will never change and I will always love you.

Maryjane Johnston

May 22, 2011

My thoughts are with the friends and family of Phil, Mr. Brett. Phil and I were basement buddies at Nathan Clifford where I taught art for 14 years. Phil was very dear to me. He was a visiting artist during the holidays on several occasions. He bought candy and made candy sled ornaments one year. He would wear his santa hat. He spent a lot of time trying to figure out just the right ornament to make with the students. The kids loved him and he loved them. He helped me out more times than I can remember. He was a good person with a generous heart. I will truly miss my friend Mr.Brett.

May 20, 2011

Many times at Nathan Clifford School, I counted on Phil to help me carry things to the third floor. Always leading with a joke, Phil would be there helping to heft things up the stairs. He always had a joke and a smile. My sympathy goes to all his family. He will be missed by so many. Carol Dunbar

Paulette Nutter

May 19, 2011

Bob and Ralph I am so sorry to hear about your brother Phil.I remember him at the seadog games.My heart gos out to you and your family.

Sally Parker

May 19, 2011

Bob & Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Phil was a great guy and will always be remembered. My heart goes out to all of you.

RuthannCross & Anna Pratt

May 18, 2011

Bob & Cheryl, Ralph & Mary, Johnny & Ginny, Phyllis & Bob, Charlotte, and Kelli: Our hearts are very heavy. Munjoy Hill is a lot darker with Phil's passing. My mom(Anna) is taking this quite hard. He was the Brett baby! He always made us laugh! We will really miss him!

Candace cullum

May 17, 2011

We are so sad to hear of Phil's passing.Phil was a great friend to our mom Patti Shrum. Phil attended many of our family functions and Patti's grandchildren Ben, Emma and Charlotte thought the world of him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Fondly Candace and Stephen Shrum Cullum

Bob, Sue & Sons Hooley

May 17, 2011

Our deepest sympathy to you all. We considered Phil part of our family. His death is a loss to us all. The Hooley's

Rosemary Carbonneau

May 17, 2011

i'm so so sorry for your loss. I'm very sad about this. Mr.Brett was totally awesome and he was so very nice to me and my friends.

May 17, 2011

He was nice and he always whistled while he cleaned the lunchroom- even when it was really messy. Molly

May 17, 2011

Kelli and the Brett family,
I am so sorry to hear about your dad. I worked with Phil at Health-Tex, we were also on the credit union board together. He was very special to me and will be missed. So sorry for your loss.

Sincerely
Barbara Conrad Marsden

Bridget Bowden

May 17, 2011

Dear Miss Brett,
I was so sorry to hear of your father's passing. I had the great pleasure of knowing him at Nathan Clifford with his help setting up for the Talent Shows over the past several years. He was a very kind man and I am pleased to have known him. My prayers go out to you and your family.

May 17, 2011

He was a man that would keep a smile on even when he was down just to make other peoples day better friend and co worker you will be miss Arthur ....5/17/2011

May 17, 2011

Phil was a most loved custodian at Nathan Clifford School. He was always willing to go the extra mile to help all of us.We missed him when he left our school and we will miss him even more now.My condolences to Kelli and all his extended family.
Anne Colucci, school nurse

Louise Caruso

May 17, 2011

I am so sorry to hear about Phil. For many years we worked together at Nathan Clifford and he was always very friendly and helpful. Seeing him during the school day always was a happy time and the children looked forward to his smiles and kind words. You all are in my prayers.

May 16, 2011

My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Brett family. So sorry to hear of your loss. Please accept my deepest sympathies. Terry Bachelder (Royal Palm Beach,, FL)

Rachel Pargeter

May 16, 2011

Kelli and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I am a PTO member at Ocean Avenue School, and Phil was a joy to work with-always made me laugh and smile. I loved to hear him whistling, and I will miss him and his friendliness. My prayers are with you at this difficult and sad time.

Melissa Bourque

May 16, 2011

Mr. Brett was one of the kindest, most helpful people to me when my children were at Nathan Clifford. I will always remember his joking manner as he helped me set up for Teacher Appreciation Day several years in a row. His lighthearted comments always brightened my day. He will be missed.

Theresa Turenne

May 16, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We will miss your smile! Jim, Terry, Michael and Spencer

May 16, 2011

Kelli,

So sorry to hear about your Dad. He was always smiling and full of fun and laughter. I remember for years he would stop over at Grampy and Grammy's at Christmas time to pick up his chocolate cream pie from Grammy and give them a gift certificate and then sit and chat with them.

He will be missed,

Uncle Ed and Aunt Nora

Jeanne Dubois

May 16, 2011

I worked with Phil at Porteous over 23 years ago and saw him periodically when the Porteous workers dined at Applebee’s. Phil was a kind and gentle soul. Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Marie Hersey

May 16, 2011

Bob, Cheryl, Jen and Jess,

We are so sorry to hear about Phil. He was a wonderful man and will be surely missed. Take one day at a time and keep him in your memories. If you need anything please let us know.
Love Mark and Marie Hersey

Chris S.

May 16, 2011

Kelli, I can't begin to express how sorry I am for what you are going through. Reading of your father's passing is one of the hardest things I've had to do. He was like a father to me, and I have thought of him a lot over the years. I will never forget him. - Chris

May 16, 2011

Kelli,
Your dad was a very special guy! Everyone always had fun when he was around...whether it was breakfast at Kathy and Daves or the 4th of July bash ;) Your dad would be really proud of you right now!
Love,
Suzanne and family

Jane MacDonald

May 16, 2011

Kelli, Pete and I are SO sorry for your loss, I know your father meant the world to you and YOU to him. Cherish your memories, no one can take them from you.
I have fond memories of with some good times shared. My prayers are with you through this difficult time.

May 16, 2011

I am so sorry to hear of his passing...prayers to the family

JUDI CARR

May 16, 2011

DEAR RALPH,MARY AND FAMILY, SORRY TO READ OF YOUR BROTHER. MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY GOES OUT TO ALL OF YOU. IF YOU NEED ANYTHING LET ME KNOW. LOVE TO ALL OF YOU ALSO. LOVE, JUDI

May 16, 2011

I was so sad to hear about your dad Kelli. I have so many good memories of him. I will never forget his grin and will miss him. My love and prayers are with you and all of the Brett family.
Margaret

Jennifer Giurlanda

May 16, 2011

Uncle Phil,
I will always remember the wonderful times we had. I love you so much.Rocco and Bella will always know what an amazing uncle you were.You will be missed by everyone. Rubber Duckies! Kelli our prayers are with you. Please let us know if there is anything we can do. Love you!
Jen, Phillip, Rocco & Isabella xoxoxoxo

Katelyn Brett

May 16, 2011

Uncle Phil was a wonderful man. He always made people feel welcome and was always around to make a joke or have a laugh. He will be greatly missed by all.

Abby Hutchins

May 16, 2011

Dear Family,
I teach at Lyman Moore and have gotten to know Phil this year as he was the friendly face that took care of my room. I'm so sorry for your loss. Prayers and thoughts are with you at this time of sadness.

David Hilton

May 16, 2011

Dear Brett family,
What a shock to find out about Phil's heart attack this morning. I was just getting to know Phil as a co-worker at Lyman Moore. His kind smile and hard work will be missed. I wish you the best in the hard time ahead.

Stacy Buckley

May 16, 2011

Uncle Bob, Auntie Cheryl, Jennifer, Jessica, and Kelli, We are so sorry for your loss and send our love and prayers to all of you. Uncle Phil will be missed by so many people, he touched all of us in one way or another with love and kindness. We love you all, and hope that God give you peace in your hearts during this difficult time. Love, Mike, Stacy, Erin and Michael.

May 16, 2011

Kelli and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. We have many fond memories of Phil.
Love,
Uncle Phil and Aunt Jean

May 16, 2011

Uncle Phil, I loved you very much and you will be missed. Kelli- you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Love Jessica

Linda Picard

May 16, 2011

Kelli & Family, Loretta and I want to express our sincerest sympathies to you and your extended family. Philip was a very dear friend and co-worker. He will be sadly missed by both of us. We had many talks and breakfast sandwiches together. We can still hear his whistle and will for a very long time. Our prayers are with all of you.

May 15, 2011

Kelli and family

He will always be alive in your heart. He will be missed. We are so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you.

Love, Mom and John

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