Coach Brett M. Carpenter

Brett Maverick Carpenter, 66, of Plattsburgh, passed away on Friday, December 19, 2025, at CVPH Medical Center. Born on February 14, 1959 in the Red Clay Hills of North Carolina, the son of Johnny and Lee Margie Carpenter. Brett lived a life defined by service, faith, and a well-earned reputation as "Coach."

Youth sports were not just something Brett did, they were a part of him. Known far and wide as Coach, Brett dedicated most of his life to mentoring young people through athletics. He served as Commissioner and President of the Adirondack Football League and coached countless athletes over the years, teaching lessons that extended well beyond the field; discipline, teamwork, confidence, resilience, and heart.

Brett was a proud alumnus of Clinton Community College, where he earned degrees in Liberal Arts: Humanities and Social Sciences, and Criminal Justice. He later earned his Master's degree in Social Work from McGill University. Brett also gave back to CCC as an adjunct faculty member in the Health Physical Education department and briefly served as a student support counselor in the advisement office, continuing his lifelong commitment to mentorship and guidance.

A devoted follower of Christ, Brett lived his faith daily through action. He loved gospel music and hymns and could often be found singing, sometimes planned, sometimes spontaneous. He was a longtime member of the SUNY Plattsburgh Gospel Choir and believed deeply in generosity, making philanthropy a consistent priority throughout his life.

Brett also proudly served in the United States Air Force, retiring after a distinguished career in which he held a number of positions. His service reflected the same values that guided the rest of his life: discipline, dedication, and care for others.

When not coaching or serving, Brett enjoyed all sports, enthusiastically talking trash while doing so, always with a smile and usually with laughter close behind.

He is survived by his life partner, Janice Tobin; his children, Keith Randolph (Jackie), Brett Carpenter Jr. (Melissa), Jendaia Serrano (Joe), and Jayvon Carpenter (Kaya); his brother, Tarrel Carpenter (Sonya); and his grandchildren, Jamaison, Tamecia, Kiandra, Olivia, Ethan, Myla, Milani, Jayvon Jr.

He is also lovingly remembered by Alex Ramsey, Jennifer Newton (Jay), Danielle Baker, and Jeanelle Phillips, and their children Amara, Emma, Isabella, Ashtyn, Caelum, Liam, and Caidence, cherished members of his extended family through Tammy Phillips.

He was predeceased by his parents and his brothers Rodney and Garrett Carpenter.

Visitation will be on Friday, January 2, 2026 from 4:00 P.M. to 7:00 p.m. at Brown Funeral Home, Plattsburgh, NY. A Funeral Service will be celebrated on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at North Country Alliance Church at 12:00 p.m.

Directly following the funeral, all attendees are warmly invited to the West Side Ballroom to celebrate the life of Brett Carpenter. Please join us in sharing memories, food, and fellowship as we honor his life.

Burial will take place in the spring at St. Peter's Cemetery, because Coach always believed in waiting for the right season.

In honor of Brett's lifelong dedication to youth sports and his role as "Coach" to so many, the family asks that donations be made to the Adirondack Football League in lieu of flowers.

Donations may be mailed to:
Adirondack Football League
P.O. Box 2119
Plattsburgh, NY 12901

Checks may be made payable to Adirondack Football League or AFL.

For questions or alternate ways to give, please contact Elijah (VP) at (518) 578-9116

Arrangements are entrusted to Brown Funeral Home. Online condolences may be offered at www.brownfuneralhomeny.com.