Joseph C. Brett, adventurer, chef
Joseph C. Brett, 49, of the Eastern Shore of Virginia and Delaware, departed this earthly life Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023.
Born in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., he became the son of the late Ellen Brett of Lewes and Walter Brett of Florida. Joe spent most of his childhood growing up in Rehoboth Beach and Lewes. He spent years as a teen working on charter boats out of Lewes Marina and enjoying life in and on the water. He was an avid diver; one would think he was born with gills to breathe. Friday, Nov. 3, was his last day on the water, in his boat on Delaware Bay. On return, he marveled at dolphins swimming alongside the boat and many birds overhead near The Point at Cape Henlopen.
Joe was fortunate to explore, travel, and live on both coasts in the U.S. most of his life, enjoying a complete spectrum of live music (especially The Grateful Dead), going hiking, snowboarding, fishing, and riding waves. His journeys touched the lives of so many people. He loved immersing himself into the culture of wherever he landed, and often missed returning flights home. He lived his life to the utmost and was not afraid to take a chance. His optimistic view guided him through events that most would turn their backs or run from, but he always saw a way through.
Joe’s greatest love was feeding people. Fortunately, as a child, he was greatly inspired and fueled by creativity alongside his mother in the kitchen. As an adult, he perfected his skills while attending the Florida Culinary Institute and while working with inspiring chefs who became lifelong friends. He was an accomplished chef in local and regional restaurants over the years. He owned his own business, Olde Shoal Food Truck, and he created Olde Shoal Spice Blends. His passion for science culminated in agriculture and gastronomy while catering to enrich the mind and body.
To honor and celebrate Joe’s life, let us remember his loyalty and kindness to the many people in his life, his steadfast compassion and caregiving for his late mother, his eagerness to please and to love unconditionally, and as a man who generously gave his heart to his family and family of friends. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date. In the meantime, raise a glass, drop a line in the water, catch a wave, crank it to 11 and listen to something that Joe turned you on to, share a meal created with love, plant something beautiful and fragrant, pick the lobster off the rock, shuck an oyster, travel to the place you’ve been delaying, but most importantly, live healthy because sometimes life can be shorter than you expect it to be.
