BRETT A. GULLA, age 54, loving long term partner of Jacqueline LeMai; cherished son of Linda (nee Cimino) and the late Dennis; dearest brother of Tanya Puhalj (husband Ed) and the late Tiffiny; devoted uncle of twins Emily and Gracie, and Ava; and loving nephew and cousin of many.
Brett was born on November 24, 1970. Even as a child, his intelligence was undeniable, and it only became more prominent as he grew up. He attended Gilmore Academy, receiving scholarships for both his academic prowess and golfing skills, the latter of which allowed him to play in the Junior Masters, and graduated as part of the class of 1989. He continued his education at The Colorado College, where he received scholarships for his stellar academic record and talent as a cyclist. Brett spent much of his life in New York and Cleveland but was a renowned world traveler both for work and pleasure alike. It was during his travels that he met his partner, Jacqueline LeMai. The two of them loved traveling together and spent 15 happy years at each other's side. His travels allowed him to experience a multitude of cuisines, and he soon became a connoisseur and coffee aficionado. Brett was well known for his spiffy appearance and was undoubtably the best dressed person in the room. A true renaissance man, he had many talents, one of which being a skillful self-taught guitarist and pianist who had a passion for music, especially the jazz, rock, and blues genres. He was also a talented cook who could make a mouthwatering barbeque, and had his own personal gym in the basement where he could work out and continually stay dedicated to his own personal fitness. A true Clevelander, Brett avidly rooted for all of the city's sports teams no matter what their record was that year. What brought him the most joy in life though was spending time with his beloved canine companions and his nieces. He was the dad dog of Dani, Lola, Penny, Lindy, and the late Max & Flick, and the favorite uncle of Emily, Gracie, and Ava. Brett passed away surrounded by his family on April 1, 2025, leaving behind an indisputable legacy as a man who was loved by all who had the honor of knowing him.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to either the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741, by clicking HERE or to the Cleveland APL, 1729 Willey Ave, Cleveland, OH 44113, by clicking HERE.
Mass of Christian Burial Friday, April 11, 2025, at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 6850 Mayfield Rd, Gates Mills, OH 44040, at 10AM.
Burial at All Souls Cemetery.
Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Brett at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF WILLOUGHBY HILLS, 28890 CHARDON ROAD (between Bishop Rd. and Rt. 91) THURSDAY from 4-8 PM.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more