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Bret was born in Long Branch and raised in Middletown, where he played football at Middletown High School South, according to his obituary on the Shore Point Funeral Home website. A four-year starter and a standout on the school's championship team, Bret had a passion for powerlifting, which led him to set a bench press record and inspire others with his dedication to fitness.
After high school, Bret went on to Kean University, where he continued playing football while earning a degree in accounting, his obituary says. He later launched a successful career as an accountant.
Bret loved music, tattoos, and gaming, and enjoyed spending time at concerts and bowling with friends, his obituary says. At home, he could often be found relaxing with his three pets—Ivy, Newton, and Kodiak—while watching movies.
"In one final act of generosity, Bret chose to be an organ donor, allowing him to give the gift of life and hope to others in need," his obituary concludes.
Jeffrey Maher, who organized a GoFundMe following Bret’s loss, described him as “a young man with a heart full of kindness and a smile that could light up any room.” The campaign had raised more than $7,800 as of press time.
“Whether he was cracking a joke or offering a word of encouragement, Bret had a way of making everyone feel comfortable,” Jeffrey Maher wrote on GoFundMe. “His respectful nature and soft presence left a lasting impact on everyone he met.”
The fundraiser will help cover medical bills, memorial costs, and other unexpected expenses. Any remaining funds will be donated to a cause in Bret’s memory, according to Maher.
“His warmth, humor, and kindness will never be forgotten,” he wrote. “Thank you for helping to keep his memory alive.”
Click here to donate to Bret's family and here for his obituary from the Shore Point Funeral Home website, complete with service details.
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