Dr. George W. Brett II, D.D.S., 84 of Clearfield passed away on March 7 at his home. He was born on May 23, 1925 in Clearfield to Dr. George J. and Charlotte (Bell) Brett. Shortly after his birth, his family moved to Lancaster where he was raised. He made many return visits to Clearfield and eventually moved back to establish his dental practice of 44 years, all of which he truly enjoyed.
Dr. Brett graduated from McKaskey High School, Lancaster, Franklin & Marshall University and received his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Temple University, Philadelphia.
For many years, Dr. Brett was on staff at Clearfield Hospital as Chief Dental Surgeon. He was also a member and past president of the Clearfield Dental Society, served on the board and was past president of the Seventh District Pennsylvania Dental Association and became President of the Pennsylvania Dental Association, where he led them to an ending of a suit that had been pending between the association and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Pennsylvania. Dr. Brett also served on the board of the American Dental Association, where he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Brett was past president of the Clearfield Area School Board, seeing the need and implementing the beginning of Kindergarten in the schools. Dr. Brett served on the board and was president of the DuBois Education Foundation of Penn State. He was also a P.I.A.A. wrestling official for many years and inducted into the Clearfield Sports Hall of Fame. He was a devout member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Clearfield where he served as Lay Reader, Chalice Bearer, Senior Warden and Senior Warden Emeritus. He was also very deeply involved with the Diocese of N.W. Pennsylvania as a member of the Diocese V.I.M. Committee, Financial Management Committee and an elected delegate to State and National conventions. He was the recipient of “the Bishop’s Cross,” a cherished and humbling honor.
Dr. Brett was a member of the Clearfield American Legion John Lewis Shade Post #6 and a lifetime member of the Clearfield Fire & Ambulance Co. #1, the Jaffa Shriner’s Club, Clearfield where he received “the Fezz Award”, the Clearfield Rotary Club and the Clearfield-Curwensville Country Club.
Dr. Brett served his country in the US Navy during World War II. He thoroughly enjoyed golf, Penn State and Steeler football and hunting at Camp Buckeye. He also enjoyed flying and was an Instrument Rated Private Pilot. His expertise of coins and evaluations gave him much pleasure and earned him much respect. Above all, his greatest joy was his love of family and the love of each for one another!
He is survived by his wife, Joan E. (Lininger) Brett whom he wed July 14, 1956, four children: Dr. George W. Brett III and wife Pam of Beaver, Karen J. Brett of New York City, NY, Andrew Brett of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Michael Wheeler of Philadelphia; six grandchildren: Cara Moreno of Los Angeles, CA, Kim Lewinski of Charlottesville, VA, Lori Wojcik of Philadelphia, Laura Fahrney of Charlotte, NC, Christopher and Lisa Brett of Charlotte, NC; five great-granddaughters: Franceca, Haley, Caroline, Sophia, Carley and Anna Grace; twin sisters: Elaine & Arlene Brett both of Lancaster and two nephews: Jeff Koller of CT and Doug Koller of Lancaster.
All of his family were very dear to him and an integral part of his life, from which was coined the phrase, “Family, Family, Family.”
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife Edith Whitaker Brett, a daughter Kathleen Charlotte Wheeler, a granddaughter Crista Wojcik, and a young sister Madilyn Charlotte Brett.
A memorial service will be held at the St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Clearfield on Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Glenn Williams officiating. Interment will follow in the Hillcrest Cemetery, Clearfield.
Friends will be received at the Kevin A. Beardsley Funeral Home, Clearfield on Tuesday from 6-8 p.m.
In Lieu of Flowers, the family suggest memorial contributions be made to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 102 East Cherry St. Clearfield, PA 16830.
To sign the online guestbook go to www.beardsleyfuneralhome.com.
