Dennis B. Brett, age 73, of Reading, formerly a longtime resident of Winchester, passed away in April 22, 2024. He was the beloved husband of Cynthia Crothers.
Born in New York City, he was the son of the late Sylvester and Margaret (Devine) Brett. He was raised and educated in New York, attended Iona College and received his Master’s degree in Education at Boston University.
Dennis was employed by the Acton Boxborough Public Schools as a School Adjustment Councilor, mostly at the Jr. High School, for 30 years. After retiring, Dennis worked at various language schools teaching English to non-English speakers. In other employment, he assisted high school students to gain summer internships in areas they may want to pursue as a career.
Dennis will be remembered for his smile, friendliness and inclusion of all people. He listened to all points of view and allowed people to be heard.
Music, especially his singing with many chorale groups, including WUS choir and Sounds of Grace, was his happy space. He also enjoyed swimming, going to the gym, traveling, going out for lunch, spending time with friends, reading, and educating himself through Tufts OLLI program and Longboat Key Education Center and playing Rummykub at the Reading Senior Center of which he was a master. Dennis loved spending the winter on Longboat Key, FL where he relished in the warmth, the friends he made, singing at the Longboat Island Chapel, taking advantage of the myriad of cultural events and activities, and listening to his music on the lanai.
Dennis was very active in the Winchester Unitarian Society for 37 years where he was a member of many committees and his Small Group Ministry, as well as participating as a Pastoral Care Associate. The choir was most important to Dennis where he helped to provide beautiful music every week.
Dennis volunteered with English At Large program where he taught English to individuals. He also volunteered at the Winchester Multicultural Network (now the Network for Social Justice) working with the public schools to increase awareness of diversity.
Most importantly for Dennis, was his family and providing a loveable, enjoyable and supportive life for his children and grandchildren. He loved planning trips, dinners, BBQs, fun activities for all. Dennis was always there to listen and, if wanted, to advise.
Dennis is survived by his wife, Cindy Crothers; their children Timothy (Kathryn) Brett, Caitlin (late husband, Michael) Pray, and Cory (Gina) Brett. His six dear grandchildren, Nora and Connor Brett, Lyra and Rowan Pray, Milo and Leo Brett; his sister, Patricia (late husband, Bobby) Flynn; brother, William (Cathy) Brett; his late sister, Margaret (late husband, Jerry) Schultz.; Dennis is survived by many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will held at the Winchester Unitarian Society, 478 Main St., Winchester, on Saturday, June 15 at 11:00 AM. Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Winchester Unitarian Society Memorial Fund or a charity of your choice.
If you would like to watch the live service remotely, go to https://tinyurl.com/WUSlivestream at 11 a.m. on June 15th. It will also be archived at https://www.winchesteruu.org or call for assistance 781-729-0949.