David Jeffris Brillhart ("Jeff"), loving husband, brother, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 15, 2020 in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He was 72 years old. Born on September 21, 1949 in Sendai, Japan, Jeff was the son of the late David W. Brillhart and Joan Jeffris Brillhart. He was raised in Summit, New Jersey and received his BS in Engineering from the University of New Hampshire in 1975. Jeff was dedicated to his family and pursued a life-long career in public service. On September 26, 1971 he married Julia Gay Lakso. Together, they raised two children, Jenny and Jacob, in Canterbury, NH. Jeff worked at the State of New Hampshire for 38 years, capping his career as Chief Engineer and Assistant Commissioner of the Department of Transportation. Jeff was known for his gentle nature, strong work ethic, and kind and generous spirit. He laughed often and easily. He was also an avid music lover and collector of Bob Dylan's music and memorabilia and a skilled carpenter and craftsman. He will be remembered as the best father there ever was - selfless beyond measure, always putting others before himself. Jeff is survived by his wife, Julie Brillhart of Blue Hill, ME; his two children, Jenny Brillhart Page of Blue Hill, ME and Jacob Leeman Brillhart of Miami, FL; his three grandchildren, June, Malcolm, and Helen Simms; his sister Sarah Flause; his brother Jonathan Brillhart; and many in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Operation Santa Clause at https://seiu1984.org/osc. This charity helps children in need and is one that Jeff worked with throughout his career at the Department of Transportation. There will be a celebration of Jeff's life next summer. Please email [email protected] for more details. "May you stay forever young." To leave an online condolence visit www.cainjanoszfuneralhome.com

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Published by Concord Montior on Sep. 22, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for David Brillhart

14 Entries

Guy J Giunta Jr

September 24, 2024

Well, another year has passed, and I continue to get older I am still kicking though, have been through a lot of pain with my wife who is very sick and struggling to keep going. Believe it or not I am still thinking about Dave and all the wonderful times we have dealt with. The other day my brother Tony who was visiting from Florida, and my brother Joe who both worked for the DOT were having lunch together and we all discussed our years with the DOT and low and be hold we started talking about Dave and all the memories we had involving him. So, you see Dave's legacy still carries on and the Giunta's do not forget all the wonderful memories of your Father and Husband. Pray for us Dave and keep us all in your thoughts. Guy

Guy J Giunta Jr

October 22, 2022

Sorry for the delay in responding to your family's remembrance of David.
As always, I think of David many times, it is so sad to have lost him at such a young age, but I know he would want us to move on. Many, many memories and as I get older, I always think of what the future holds. May your family always remember the wonderful life of Dave as I will. As comedian Bob Hope would always say "Thanks for the Memories" Thoughts and Prayers Guy J Giunta Jr

Phillip Michaels

February 25, 2022

In view of the other things I see that Jeff accomplished in his life, this is a small thing, but it still looms large in my memory. I can still see him in my mind's eye looking over his shoulder just before catching a pass and striding away from all the defenders in JV football in high school. Due in part to Jeff's brilliance at finding openings down field, the team was undefeated. That was no small feat for a school of 300+ that played at least one school with 3,000 students. The attached photo is of the 1st string offense of that team just after winning the final game of the season against arch rival, Woodberry. Jeff is top left--ever the standout. I will remember him with great fondness even though we haven't connected since high school.

Guy J Giunta Jr

September 16, 2021

Oh my God a year already, I hope and pray your family is accepting this loss after all he is in a better place, I still can't believe Jeff has passed. A quick story I will never forget, Jeff and I was in the front entrance of the DOT building, talking to each other and one of the employees of DOT walked by looked at me and said hey are you still hear, made me feel so old, so I said to Jeff you see I guess I should retire, I remember him saying to me, you will never hear me say that, made me feel so welcomed and appreciated. A great guy, sorely missed, I feel so bad to young. God Bless you all, stay strong and I will always remember Jeff. Hey Jeff pray for all your family and yes mine to. Guy J Giunta Jr.

Rita Fusco

September 24, 2020

A kind and gentle man, with a twinkle of humor on the side.
Sending love to all the family.
Rita

Stephen Cummings

Planted Trees

Guy J Giunta Jr

September 24, 2020

I worked in the DOT with Jeff and he was always a dedicated and helpful person. I worked in Roadside Development which was a section of the DOT which helped beautify the state with landscaping, wildflowers and yes lilacs. Jeff was always very supportive of the beautification of New Hampshire's highways and very helpful in getting many of these projects approved. I hope and pray for your wonderful family and know you are in a better place than all of us living in this tough times on this planet. God Bless Jeff and rest in peace, thanks for all you did for New Hampshire.

Jeffris Warfield

September 23, 2020

Fond memories of Jeff with Sally and John-John at the cottage with Aunt Joan and Uncle David and traveling in their car while they sang, “Road to Mandalay” and seeing Jeff and Julie at their house in Canterbury in the late 1970’s—too bad we did not see more of each other—cousin Jeffris Warfield

Carol Murray

September 23, 2020

I am not often without words, but this is one of those times. Jeff graduated from UNH together with me in 1978....naturally with a better GPA. He was always the tall, serious guy in the front row of all our classes, always knowing the answers. We called him, “the old guy” because he had 8 years on most of us and was so serious.
We worked together for 30 years, and he was a much better engineer. I pleaded with Jeff to take on the challenge of Assistant Commissioner and Chief Engineer because I had total confidence that he would do a spectacular job, and we would make a balanced team. I believe that Jeff and I were a team, hopefully an effective one.
Julie and family, you may not know, but we called him “big J” because he was the biggest “J “in your family of J’s. I hope you can find ways to smile and remember the best of times. “May you stay forever young”

Marcia Hudson Scarponi.. St Petersburg, Fl.

September 23, 2020

Julie (and family): I am so sorry to hear this news of Jeff's passing.
It seems like only yesterday that I watched you & your family grow in Canterbury, NH. So many memories... nearly a lifetime.
RIP, Jeff & may GOD be with you, Julie, Jenny & Jake as you go through this loss.

Anne Bogart

September 23, 2020

My Deepest Sympathy to the family of Jeff Brillhart.
I had the honor of working with Jeff for many years at the DOT. He was absolutely the humorous guy in the workplace as you described in his personal life. A soul truly gone too soon.
My condolences to his family, friends and the many work mates he acquired over the years.
Sincerely,
Anne

Sen. Lou D'Allesandro

September 22, 2020

i worked with Jeff for many years and always found him to be a gentleman, a dedicated worker, and the kind of person you are honored to call a friend. My deepest sympathy to his family.

Larry & Joe

September 22, 2020

Just a real decent guy and good neighbor

Tom Janosz & Staff

September 22, 2020

Offering our deepest condolences at this difficult time.

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