Donald E. Brett

Donald E. Brett, 88, of River Vale, NJ, formerly of Dumont, passed away on Sunday, January 1, surrounded by his loving children. He was the son of James and Genevieve Brett. Beloved husband of Marie E. Brett for over 60 treasured years. Loving and devoted dad of Donald and Patricia Brett. Treasured uncle of his many loving nieces and nephews, as well as his cherished grandnieces and grandnephews. Don is survived by his brother Edmund and predeceased by his brother, James and sister Gloria. Don was born and raised in Brooklyn NY and he always had many stories to tell about Brooklyn. His two famous ones were that he grew up across from Ebbets Field , where he met Pee Wee Reese and secondly, that he was an usher at The King’s Theater (which has recently been restored). He is a graduate of St. Francis Prep High School and St. John’s University, both in Brooklyn. Don worked full time at The Equitable Life Insurance Company while attending college at night. While working at Equitable Don met “his” Marie, the true love of his life. He knew she was “the one” after their first date. Upon Marie’s passing last year Don’s heart was truly broken and on January 1st he once again saw that beautiful smile that he missed and looked forward to seeing again.

Don was deep in his faith from an early age. He was an altar boy during his childhood and stayed in touch with many of the brothers who taught in Holy Cross School. Together with Marie, they watched daily mass, recited the rosary and prayed daily. Don loved socializing with people and he had a true gift of being a great listener. He loved sports and enjoyed watching baseball, football, hockey and basketball. Being a baseball coach for Donald and a dance recital loving dad for Trish were two of his favorite activities years ago.

Don proudly served on the Board at his community, Berkeley Village, for many years . Visiting the Jersey Shore for many years brought him joy and peace. The family will receive their relatives and friends at St. Therese of Lisieux R.C. Church, 120 Monroe Avenue, Cresskill, NJ on Saturday from 8:30-9:15, followed

by the funeral mass celebrating both Don’s life and faith. Entombment will follow at Garden of Memories, Twp. of Washington, NJ.

Since the number of floral arrangements allowed at the Cemetery are limited, donations would greatly be appreciated in Don's memory to Valley Hospice (15 Essex Road, Paramus, NJ 07652). They were angels in Don’s life.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Becker-FuneralHome.com for the Brett family.