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Gilbert Brett Obituary
Gilbert Alton Brett Sr. SMITHFIELD - Gilbert Alton Brett Sr., 59, passed away Sept. 30, 2008, at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital, after a brief illness with his family at his side. A native of Windsor, N.C., Alton was the son of the late Gilbert W. and Margaret A. Brett. Alton had been a Smithfield resident for the past 16 years and was formerly of Newport News. He had 30 years of dedicated service as a nuclear foreman at Northrop Grumman (formerly NNSB). Due to a previous illness, he was on long-term disability since 1997. Alton was proud of his recognition as Master Shipbuilder and his career at the shipyard. He was a member of Warwick Assembly of God, Hampton. A wonderful husband and loving father, Alton taught his children to respect what the word "no" meant. He cared deeply for his friends and extended family, who respected him in return as one of courage and strong character. Alton leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 41 years, Patricia G. Brett; his son, Gilbert Alton Brett Jr. of Rehrersburg, Pa.; his daughter, Lisa Renee Brett Garrett and her husband Richard of Portsmouth; two grandchildren, Brittany Nicole Garrett and Wade Coleman Garrett; his sister, Martha Brown and her husband Curtis of Ozark, Ala.; and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family. A service celebrating Al's life will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday in Colonial Funeral Home, Smithfield. Raymond Jones and Nancy Healey will be speaking. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends following the service in the funeral home. The family suggests memorial contributions to Teen Challenge International, P.O. Box 98, Rehrersburg, PA 19550.
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Memories and Condolences
for Gilbert Brett
Bart Conlon III
November 20, 2022
I worked for AL Brett, several years, on the cvn-class carriers. AL was a good...but tough...boss. I was the argon-purge mechanic for him. Was also involved with nuclear testing. My nick-name in his crew, was "tripple-slack". And he, himself, named me that. G
He loved to joke around. But, when it came to working...it was serious business
He once complimented me, saying I was a valuable employee, go him. I never, forgot, that achelade. May He rest in peace. Sincerely, Bart Conlon III, Songwriter, Concord I Va...please visit my web-pages @ Tall Guys Recording & Bart Conlon III @ cdbaby
Bart Conlon, 3rd
September 25, 2017
I worked on the carrier projects with Al, for several years. I got the nick-name, "Tripple-Slack" from him. I worked in his testing crew. We had quite the crew back then, & we were the only crew, to ever leave work for the day, because we had a make-up supervisor, & we didn't lose our jobs. He looked-out for his crew, indeed.
Donna Williams
October 5, 2008
Dear Pat, Gilbert, and Renee,
We were unaware Alton was gone until Linda told us at church this morning. I'm so sorry we didn't know in time to attend the service.It has been years since we last saw you. Please give us a call when you come down to visit family as we would like to see you. I remember all those double dates when were in our teens down in Williamston and Windsor. You will be in our prayers for God to give you the strength that only He can provide.
With love,
Keith and Donna Williams
P.S. Alton's service was on Keith's birthday and our 38th anniversary.
Phyllis Cheshier
October 4, 2008
Dear Patricia, Gilbert & Renee,
Esther sent me the Daily Press record of Alton's death. I know you will miss him! There will be lots of adjustments. I pray the Lord will be your comfort.
Love,
Phyllis Cheshier
Fort Smith, AR
Bobby & Jackie Blair (& kids)
October 3, 2008
Ms. Pat,
Our hearts are heavy, as we know yours is, with losing your lifetime partner "Mr. Al". He truly was a gem. Bobby and I will miss our talks with him in our yards. Our kids, although young (12, 10, 7 & 4) know that they have not just lost a neighbor, but a true friend. He was always willing to take a break from his yard work to listen to them. His wisdom and guidance will always be cherished. He will be greatly missed by us all.
With lots of love and hugs, The Blair's:
Bobby, Jackie, Eric, Lisa, Amanda & Jack
WANDA JONES
October 3, 2008
PAT AND FAMILY
RAY AND I ARE TRULY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. I'VE KNOWN AL FOR MANY YEARS THRU RAY AND ALWAYS THOUGHT HIM TO BE A SWEET, KINDHEARTED AND WHITY PERSON. HE WAS TRULY A BLESSED FRIEND TO RAYMOND AND MYSELF. THERE WERE ALOT OF TREASURED MOMENTS WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER ABOUT AL. I HAVE PICTURES OF THE GREAT FISHING TIMES THEY SPENT TOGETHER. WE WILL KEEP YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS AND WITH THE HOPE WE HAVE IN CHRIST THIS WILL ONLY BE A TEMPORARY DEPARTURE. WITH LOVE AND ADMIRATION RAYMOND AND WANDA JONES WILLIAMSBURG
James Mason
October 2, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. I was fortunate to have worked with Al in the carrier program for many years. He was a world class craftsman and a upstanding individual. I valued his opinion and trusted his word throughout our association .
Working with people such as Al made my career at the shipyard a wonderful experience in spite of the long hours we endured.
We are all better off from having him in our lives.
Scott Lauder
October 2, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort. Al was a wonderful and helpful neighbor and friend.
God Bless!
Scott & Lisa Lauder
Jerry Blanchard
October 2, 2008
Although you have never met us, your husband and father, Al had a profound effect on our son. He, we know will be greatly missed by all but know this he was loved by all who knew him, our condolences. May he have everlasting "peace". Gerald and Barbara Blanchard
Elizabeth Whiteway
October 2, 2008
Al, it is hard to believe you are gone,
God took you to heaven and carried you home.
You will always be remembered for your wisdom and wit,
old fashioned values and hardy spirit.
Life has been hard for Trish and you,
but you always managed to make it through.
Your presence on earth was a gift from above,
You will always be remembered, respected and loved.
You worked so hard and did not complain
You got knocked down but got up again and again.
Words cannot say how much you are missed.
Your virtues would consist of a very long list.
We send our deepest sympathy to Trish and family.
Mike (Chief) Lawhorne
October 2, 2008
Pat, Vic and I want you to know our prayers and thoughts are with you during this very difficult time. We were blessed to have had the pleasure of knowing Al and having him be a part of our life. Everytime we look at our day lillies from this day forward, we'll think of him. If we can be of any assistance please let us know.
Anne-Elizabeth Whiteway
October 2, 2008
Alton I cannot think of you as gone. The world will miss you since God has carried you home.
No words can say how much you are loved.
Your presence on earth was a gift from above.
We will always remember your wisdom and wit,
and old fashioned values and hardy spirit.
The trials of life have been hard on you.
But you and Trish had always made it through
Lord knows we wish you could stay
How hard you worked without complaining every day.
Al, you will always be in our hearts forever.
With sympathy for Trish and family,
Anne Elizabeth and Donald Whiteway
Wayne Blanchard
October 2, 2008
Dear Pat, Gilbert and Renee,
My words can't describe the sorrow that I feel for you all in your loss of Al. He will always have a place very near and dear to my heart, my wife's and our two boy's. We loved him like a father and a grandfather. We'll always have the many happy memories of the laugh's that we shared and I'll never forget all the of the "Shipyard Lies" that we told to each other. I learned a lot from Al and will be eternally grateful for his advice, his words of wisdom, his help and ultimately his tremendous friendship. We all have lost a great man but Heaven has inherited tremendous soul.
Al, rest easy my old friend, I'll see you on the other side.
Barry Lawhorne
October 2, 2008
With deepest sympathy for your lose. We have been blessed to have known and befriended such a great man,husband, and father.
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