Geneseo: Brett passed peacefully with friends and his companion on October 20, 2011, at age 82. Born in Bath, NY after serving in the US Air Force, he moved to New York City to enroll in the Robert Joffrey Ballet School in 1953.
He was an original member of The Joffrey Ballet. Danced with Radio City Corps de Ballet, Empire State, NBC Opera, New York City Centre Opera, couldn’t sing a note. Leaving New York City and taking a complete turnabout, Brett was trained as a tool and dye maker and worked in Buffalo and Warsaw, NY. His next career, he became an LPN at Wyoming Community Hospital; raised horses, and rode with the Genesee Valley Hunt for many years. He had a keen knowledge of art and antiques, a skilled stenciler, a marksman at black powder shooting, enjoyed gardening, and bonsai, and was at home in the kitchen. Brett was quiet and unassuming with a wicked sense of humor, a true Renaissance man of many skills. On August 29, he married Donald Holland, his partner of 51 years. Brett we miss you already.
Friends are invited to attend services Friday, October 28, 2011, 10:30 AM at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church, 23 Main Street, Geneseo. Contributions may be made to the Genesee Valley Hunt, PO Box 53, Geneseo, NY 14454. Arrangements Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home, Inc. Livonia – Honeoye. To send condolences or share a memory, please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
Brett, I worked with you at WCCH. You were an inspiration to me and the way you were with patients was inspired. You and I had several unusual projects together and we also did them with class. Hansel comes to mind!! You would remember, other people wouldn’t understand. Have a good rest, I’ll see you later.
Don, I know your loss is great, but Brett loved you dearly, He will not be forgotten.
Kathy
We remember Robert from the time he spent at the Old Heidelberg. He was always the perfect gentleman and always interesting and a pleasure to be with. We are sorry for his loss.
Margot (Loni’s sister)
Brett I will miss your humor, your soft spoken chats, picking on you and just watching you enjoy the moment. Rest in Peace my friend, you certainly deserve it. Don, God Bless you. Peace, Lois.