Nicholas Brett Chrest

Nicholas Brett Chrest (“Brett” to family, “Nick” to co-workers) was born in Maryland on September 4, 1980 to Marie and Kenneth Chrest. The friendships he established in his school years in Bel Air, MD would remain with him throughout his lifetime. He worked as both a security manager and in the stockroom at Target, entertaining coworkers with practical jokes while maintaining an eye for detail in his work. He attended UMBC, where he majored in political science and enjoyed writing for The Retriever Weekly. Following college, he served as an FBI analyst for 15 years. In the spring of 2007, he met Leah, who shared his love of long, intellectual banter and off-topic greeting cards. They would later marry in September of 2008 and enjoyed a thriving, loving relationship until his passing.

Brett was a devoted father to their two sons, Brooks and Brandon. In March 2020, he resigned from the FBI to be a stay-at-home dad and transition to a career in education. In December 2020, he took a job as a paraeducator at Patuxent Valley Middle in Howard County. Days before his passing, he published his book, My Vacuum Sucks, a collection of humor essays detailing his experiences transitioning from his government career to teaching.

Brett will be remembered for his wisdom, wit, and love for sports, music, and philosophy. He cared deeply for his wife, children, family, and friends. He is survived by his parents: Marie and Ken Chrest; brother: Matthew Chrest; wife: Leah Chrest; and children: Brooks and Brandon Chrest

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, September 11th from 1 - 4 PM (informal service at 3 PM) at The Lutheran Church of St. Andrew (the Great Room) 15300 New Hampshire Ave. Silver Spring, MD 20905.

Children are welcome--toys and an area to play quietly will be provided.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of Brett’s cherished charities:

Ronald McDonald House

Wounded Warriors

Mann House (favorite of Brett’s brother, Matthew)