Jack Samuel Brett

Jack was born on July 10, 1931. The son of Russian and Austrian immigrants, he grew up in New York City during the Great Depression and the decade that followed. He attended the Bronx High School of Science, and later stated that his years there had a profound impact on his life. Shortly after earning his Ph. D. in Metallurgical Engineering at Columbia University, Jack married Mary Connelly, who would be his beloved wife until her death in 2003. Jack and Mary later moved to Great Neck, where they raised a family of three sons.

Jack worked in a variety of industries as a research metallurgist and was a leader in the field of lighting and electrical components. Although he enjoyed his work, his real love was pursuing intellectual and cultural interests in New York City, and exploring its countless ethnic restaurants. While teaching at the City University of New York and other institutions, he impacted the lives of hundreds of students.

Throughout his life, Jack imparted an intense respect for education to his children and grandchildren. He is remembered for his patient ability to tutor his sons during their school years on any topic, and delighted in guiding their own educational journeys.

As Jack aged, he developed serious medical problems including blindness. However he was never known to complain or indulge in self-pity. His resiliency continues to inspire all who knew and loved him.

In his final years of life, Jack was assisted by a team of four superb caregivers, Ruth Bancroft, Fay Walters, Audrey Richards and Yannah Degrasse. The family would like to thank each of them for their extraordinary care during Jack's final years.

Jack is predeceased by his parents, Morris and Matilda, his beloved spouse Mary, his brother William, and later in life, by his loving companion Ruth Liebhaber. He is survived by his brother Stanley, by his children Clark Brett, Craig Brett, and Kirk Brett and their spouses, Ryun-Su Kim Brett, Mary O’Brien Brett and Laura Ulrich Brett, as well as his nine grandchildren (Kim, Lee, Brian, Daniel, Thomas, Bridget, Alison, Elizabeth and Sophie) and three great-grandchildren (Marco, Lia and John).

A service to celebrate his life will be held at Riverside-Nassau North Chapel in Great Neck, NY on January 12 at 11:30am.