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Joseph Brett Obituary
Joseph "Big Joe" Brett, 85, passed away, Monday, August 27, 2012, in Melbourne, FL. He was born in Philadelphia, PA and came to Brevard County in 1970.
Big Joe was the Founder and Owner of Gator Chrysler Plymouth in Melbourne.
He was the Past President of The Melbourne Rotary and a Paul Harris Fellow, Past President of the Melbourne Area Chamber of Commerce, Past Commodore of The EGYC, Past President of Honor America, Past President South Brevard Automobile Dealers Association, Past President of Florida Chrylser, Plymouth Dealers Advertising Association and Secretary of Florida Chrysler, Plymouth Dealers Council. He was also Chairman Easter Seal Board of Directors, Director-Brevard County Civilian Military Council, Director-Panther Athletic Association F.I.T. and Board Member of Buena Vida.
Big Joe is survived by his wife of 62 years, Dorothy Brett; daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Harris Cherin; daughter and son-in-law, Pam and Michael Williams; sons-in-law, Greg Rankin and Steven McDonnell; 11 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, The Rev. Frank Brett, sisters, Rosemary Rouse and Anastasia Lawlor.
He was predeceased by daughters, Kathleen and Mary Ellen, and brother, Lt. Robert R. Brett, USN, Chaplain Corps.
Calling hours will be held Friday, August 31, from 5 until 7 p.m. at Brownlie - Maxwell Funeral Home. Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, September 1, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church.
Friends planning expressions of sympathy are asked to consider The Heart Center, c/o Health First Foundation, 1350 South Hickory Street, Melbourne, FL 32901, in Memory of Joseph Brett.
Brownlie - Maxwell Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family. 321-723-2345 www.brownliemaxwell.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Brett
Melanie Keuper
August 24, 2023
It was an honor to serve on the Keuper Statue Committee with him!
R.I.P Big Joe.
September 5, 2012
Dot and Debbie,
You have been in my heart constantly and my prayers daily.
I have always loved your family and enjoyed spending time with "Big Joe" and all of you!
Seems like life is never long enough,
Love to all,
Martha
Marion Langley-Meara
September 5, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the Brett family. I was the title clerk for Gator Chrysler for about 7 years and I know Mr.Brett will be greatly missed. He was always ready with a joke and a smile. A very special person indeed. I know Heaven is a brighter place with him in it.
clifton lake
September 1, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Dinah Walton
September 1, 2012
Dear Mrs. Brett & family, I was so sorry to hear of Mr. Brett's passing. I know you all will miss him, dearly.
I miss working across the hall from him @ the Nasa Blvd location.I enjoyed his company and assisting him, whenever necessary. I enjoyed the fact that we both enjoyed listening to Rush Limbaugh & Sean Hannity's radio programs in our offices. When he came to my office, he always made sure I had the radio on to those programs. Mr. Brett was a special man. I always wished I could've adopted him as another grandfather to me, too. I will miss him, too.
I'll be keeping the family in my prayers.
Dudley Gordon
August 30, 2012
Joe was a wonderful gentleman who contributed much to his community. He will be missed. RIP my friend.
laurie morrissey-owens
August 30, 2012
I was so sorry to hear of Mr.Bretts passing he was a very thoughtful and kind man, i had the pleasure of working for him several years ago and never forgot what a wonderful caring person he was.my prayers are with the Brett family.
Robert Morris
August 30, 2012
The world has lost a wonderful and kind man. May "Big Joe" rest at the side of God.
Melanie Keuper
August 30, 2012
My deepest sympathy to the Brett Family. I will always cherish the times we spent on the Keuper Statue Committee. You will be greatly missed "Big Joe"
August 30, 2012
Dear Dot, Debbie, Pam and Family...we all loved Joe. He was a very generous and lovable man. He always had so many wonderful stories to share. At MCC we could always count on Joe. Love, Sandy & George
August 30, 2012
With deepest sympathy to the Brett Family he was a sweet patient and we will miss him at Dr.Zabinskis office
August 30, 2012
Our deepest sympathy. Joe was a great person. I remember all his support for MCC. Wonderful personality and a caring individiual. Dottie our thoughts are with you. Steve and Sue Sorensen
Ronnie Ramsy
August 30, 2012
Ronnie Ramsey
Ramsey Motor co.
Harrison,Ar
george and kathy joseph
August 30, 2012
our greatest respects and our greatest
condolances.many prayers for all involved
August 30, 2012
Heaven got another angel. I will miss you forever Daddy.
Pam
Pat Briel
August 30, 2012
Dear Dot and Family,
We were so sorry to hear of Joes passing. He was a wonderful friend and will be missed by many, especially his happy nature and the twinkle in his eyes. So happy we got to see you all in FL before we came back to NC. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Pat & Ernie
E. Fred Augenstein
August 30, 2012
To "Big Joe" Brett's Family & to the Legacy of Big Joe Brett's GATOR Chrysler-Plymouth & the present GATOR Automotive Group that his original dealership has evolved into over time,
I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to be hired by "Big Joe" and Carlos just before Joe Kelly made his way back to join the dealership for the 2nd time. "Big Joe" trusted in me and my business to help grow his GATOR dealership at a time when he felt the growth would certainly have the potential to happen with Joe Kelly coming back in to lead the sales department and with Carlos leading the service department and business office.
Although he only knew of my business through an assisted living facility where he served as a Board Member in Melbourne, he hired me, and over the years since, he continued to have confidence in my firm's ability to help serve his advertising needs. Frankly, my business, which will turn 20 years old on December 7th, 2012, would not have survived without GATOR as a key client. I owe so much to "Big Joe" Brett, Carlos Menendez & Joe Kelly.
But, more than anyone else, I owe "Big Joe" for choosing my services initially and continuing to have confidence in me over time.
He was a great man, always with a kind word, a great smile, and his hand extended to generously shake yours.
Am certain he has joined friends, family, and fellow-true conservatives in heaven, and he will be very much missed by a tremendous amount of people who knew him on this earth.
Know he will be sincerely missed by me.
Arthur Adams
August 29, 2012
Mrs. Brett,
What a guy! Mr. Brett will be greatly missed. Much love, Arthur Adams
Gary Miller
August 29, 2012
Dot, Debbbie, Pam and family:
Very sorry to hear of Joe's passing.Joe was a special man and our lives were blessed and enhanced by our relationship with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Barbara and Gary Miller Erie, Pa.
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