Service measured not by GOLD,
                           but by the GOLDEN RULE

Service measured not by GOLD,
          but by the GOLDEN RULE

330.262.7771

WOOSTER “ Bret A. Defibaugh, 60, of Wooster passed away on Thursday, July 2, 2020.
He was born February 27, 1960 in Wooster the son of Gary and Jeanne Meyer Defibaugh Morris. He married Deborah First on November 27, 1992. She survives.
Bret was a 1979 graduate of Wooster High School. He had worked for the Wayne County Sheriff ™s Office. Bret then went to work as a Certified Welder for Wooster Tool & Supply. In 1982 he became co-owner of Bowman Beverage. It was in 1985 that Bret became sole proprietor of the business.
Bret was very involved with, and loved, the Wooster community. He was an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church. Bret served on numerous boards through the years. His true love was the youth of the Wooster community where he had shared his time and knowledge to many. He was a big fan of Youngstown State University. Bret loved to fish, cook, grill steaks and spend time with his family.
In addition to his wife, Bret is survived by his children Heath Rock, Corbett (Amanda) Coots, and Sheree (Joshua) Brownson, all of Wooster, Brittany Defibaugh of Boardman, Ohio, and Brandon Defibaugh of Wooster; grandchildren Paige, Hunter, Katie, Alyssa, Ashton, Grace, Troy, Addison, and Morgan; sisters Sherri (Don) Lupole of Wooster and Pam (Dave) Gagliardo of North Ridgeville; step-sister Lisa (Jeff) Smith of North Carolina; step-father John Morris of Wooster; mother-in-law Shirley First of Shreve.
In addition to his parents, Bret was preceded in death by his grandson Liam; and father-in-law Bill First.
The McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., in Wooster is assisting the family.
Friends will be received at the St. Mary Catholic School gymnasium, 527 Beall Ave., in Wooster on Thursday, July 9, 2020 from 3:00 p.m. “ 8:00 p.m.
A private family Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 10, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church in Wooster with Rev. Stephen Moran as celebrant. Burial will follow in Wooster Cemetery.
The private family Mass will be live-streamed on the McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home Facebook page on Friday, July 10, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to St. Mary ™s School, PO Box 109, Wooster, OH 44691 or to any youth organization of the donor ™s choice.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.

Memorial Contributions
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to St. Mary ™s School, PO Box 109, Wooster, OH 44691 or to any youth organization of the donor ™s choice.

Service
A private family Mass of Christian Burial will be live-streamed on the McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home Facebook page on Friday, July 10, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.

Visitation
St. Mary Catholic School gymnasium, 527 Beall Ave., in Wooster on Thursday, July 9, 2020 from 3:00 p.m. “ 8:00 p.m.

92 Comments

  1. My dear school friend
    You was a great man in school and was a great man out in this world .we will miss your smile and joking .please keep watching overall your family and friends .
    Fly High on that mountain in God’s kingdom.

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  2. Our community has lost a great man; His kindness will be forever remembered. May our Father in Heaven welcome him with open arms.

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  3. Prayers for the family will miss Bret will never forget him

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  4. Unbelievable. No words to express my sadness, my heart goes out to his family he’ll be missed by many

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  5. My prayers go out to the family. Bret always gave donations to the Wooster Jaycee projects, especially Safety Town. All I had to do was call him on the phone and food, pop, or whatever we needed would be right there. A great asset to the Wooster community. You should all be proud.

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  6. Gonna be a deep void in our community. I will miss your calls and our talks in the office.
    Love and prayers to the family. RIP my brother.

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  7. He will be missed but never be forgotten.

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  8. You never knew a stranger. ALL WERE JUST FRIENDS YOU hadnt met yet…..you were an asset that will forever be missed in the community. Your hugs were the best your words will echo many years your smile not forgotten your laugh will echo many also…..your ride is over journey is done rest easy.

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  9. I am so sorry for your loss. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

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  10. Our deepest sympathies to his family and friends. Always enjoyed being around him. He was a hard working man and did a lot of behind the scenes help to many. He will be missed

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  11. My sincerest condolences, you were truly an inspiration to me and to many. You will be abundantly missed.

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  12. Bret had an impact on so many people. He was an impact on our son Colin and our family. His caring and giving spirit is an example to us all. Bret, you will be missed by so many and the city of Wooster. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Let his example be a challenge to us all on how to care for others and give back to the community.

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  13. My dear friend/father figure you will be missed more then imaginable, and i will forever be grateful for your always open arms and ears to me. Till we meet again the wisdom advice and love you showed me will be celebrated daily. The world will be a less good place without you here. With love always

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  14. Prayers and understanding to all who knew and loved Bret. Our community has lost a true friend and hero . Rest in Peace Bret ….you were loved by so many and will be deeply missed.We thank God for the opportunity to have you in our lives!

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  15. My condolences to Bret’s family and you will be in are prayers

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  16. Heartfelt sympathy for Deb & children. May Jesus wrap you all in his loving arms & give you peace in the future. The Wooster Community has lost a great friend & supporter who will be missed by many. RIP Bret with your Mom and others.

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  17. Deb and family I am so sorry for your loss. God Bless you all. ❤️

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  18. I’m so sorry for your lose he was great guy he was a hero to my son jimmy Thomas …. jimmy is very sad over all this also my brother ted amstutz is hurt he was a great guy

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  19. Sorry for your loss. He was an amazing man and will never be forgotten. The world needs more people Like Brett. Many hugs and prayers .

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  20. You will be sadly missed. You were a great person to me. You liked picking on me to get a rise out of me then laughing at me. All in all you were a good person

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  21. My deepest sympathies to his family. He touched so many lives and truly stood for Community building and service. I will truly miss his off brand humor, good conversation, and challenging me to push forward amidst difficult decisions and times. Peace, prayers, and comforting thoughts sent your way.

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  22. Bret and his family are not just friends but they are family. We have known them for many years. We miss him more than words can say. You were a amazing person now you are a amazing angel! Your legacy will live on!

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  23. My deepest condolences to Deb Corbett and the entire family. Brett was a great person and friend. He and our conversations will be sadly missed. Prayers for the entire family

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  24. Me and Bret connected and always had good conversation and we helped each other. I love and respect his family and Im so glad to have met him. Get some rest friend. You worked hard.

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  25. He was one of a kind never knew a stranger. He always helped my husband that has dementia. All the donations for Wooster football. Will be missed by all Wooster. RIP Bret thoughts and prayers to the family

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  26. Deb and all the family I am so sorry for your loss. Brett was one of the greatest men I have ever known. I will miss his friendship and are talks we had as I grew older. I will keep you in my thoughts and Prayers. R.I.P Brett

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  27. A good friend and a good fellow You will be greatly missed in our hearts and our communities.

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  28. Your wings were ready but our hearts were not. You have brought so much love and laughter into peoples lives. In my eyes there is no one that could ever fill your shoes. Look down on us one day and you will realize you would or could never be forgotten. Rest in his hands. Prayers for healing to Deb,children, and family and friends.This is one heck of a loss that will never be forgotten.

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  29. I have read the kind words everyone has shared about Bret.He has definitely made an impression on our community and many peoples lives.It is my prayer that everyone remenbers,and carries on Brets legacy. As we grieve ,it is my hope ,that the memories and stories we share,will bring some comfort to all who knew and loved Bret.I pray you find peace in our Heavenly fathers arms.

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  30. So sorry to read this. God be with you all.

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  31. we met in another friends backyard playing football and were friends since all the way till now. Hopefully your rest is good and peaceful my old friend there will only be one like you.

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  32. In these moments of loss, words are useless. God rest his soul in peace, and the angels to always be there with you. My sincere heartfelt condolences.

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  33. Deb and Family,
    So sorry to hear of Bret’s passing. Am thinking of you all during this time of sorrow. You are in my thoughts and prayers
    Sara Sturgeon

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  34. Our prayers to the family. What a terrible loss to the community! He helped more people than we all know. He will be GREATLY missed! R.I.P Bret..

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  35. My thoughts and prayers to the family. So deeply sorry for your loss.

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  36. Please accept our sympathy and prayers for Bret and the Defibaugh family Prudy Pasquariello and family

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  37. My deepest condolences.

    Bret was one of the most giving persons I have ever known. Time, money, talent, whatever was needed he was there. I met Bret through Wooster Youth Baseball where he served as a volunteer for many years. His sponsorship of the Bowman Beverage team has lasted through whole generations of ball players. His time working with youth, both at St. Mary and at the High School was incalculable.

    He made Wooster a better place to live. I will miss him.

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  38. We have known Bret and his family for a long time. He was always there when we needed him. Always got a hug and a smile from him. Please know we are very saddened by this he will be missed. Praying for you all.

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  39. So sorry for your loss Bret was such a kind hearted man always had a big heart and smile to cheer you up. Will be missed my all RIP

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  40. I feel privileged, as a school-aged kid, to be one of the first beneficiaries of Bret’s “tough love, yet tireless dedication” approach….so many valuable lessons. He had so much to give to everyone within his vast network, and may his spirit still live within us. Peace to you, my brother, and deepest condolences to the whole family.

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  41. Deb and family, please accept my sincere condolences for the loss of your husband, dad and Grandpa. Bret was a wonderful and caring man who was very generous with his time and talents in Wooster….he will be missed. Take care, Dianne

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  42. Bret used to give pretzels to my girls when they were little. His smile and friendliness will be very much missed.

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  43. Bret was a great man and he will be deeply missed not only by family and friends, but the community as a whole. He helped a lot of people. There is going to be a big void in our community, but now is the time we all need to be there for not just ourselves, but each other as well. My heart goes out to his family for their loss. I pray that God helps heal his family through this tough time in their lives and just sends them simple reminders to let them know that Bret is watching over them all. Lastly I want to thank the family for the family time that they have given up while Bret helped out in the community. Our community couldn’t have been more blessed than it already was with Bret and his family. Please keep your heads up, and faith in your hearts.

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  44. Bret always encouraged us to be the best that we could be. He was a rarity. We loved him and will genuinely miss him.we pray for peace for the family during this sad time.

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  45. Bret’s one of the kindest and most giving persons I’ve ever met. Many times I witnessed him giving help to someone in need as he worked the store. He knew that he’d never get repaid. Well, he’s getting repaid now. Bret was a real blessing to everyone he met. He seemed to understand everything, especially people. I tend to talk too much but when Bret spoke, I stop talking and listen. He gave me good advise whenever we had a chance to get caught up on things. I was always amazed at how insightful he was. I began to notice how Corbett was becoming so much like his Dad. What a great roll-model. My heart goes out to you Deb and your family. Bret will always be nearby guiding the ones that love him. God bless you my friend.

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  46. Dear Deb & Family,
    Please accept our deepest condolences. There are no words to express how very sorry we are for your loss. You & your family will be in our thoughts as you navigate through this most difficult time.

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  47. He was a great man that will always be remembered. He always always had a smile and some offthe wall joke. I am honored to say I knew him and will always remember his kind ways . God bless the family during your time of sadness.

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  48. We are saddened to hear of the loss of this pillar of the community. We met Brett through football. His tireless devotion to those athletes as well as those on so many other sports teams was admirable. We were the beverage-pickup parents for a few years for the Wooster football team when our son played. Brett showed us where everything was and told us to get what was needed (away games and banquets). His generosity was second to none. He was kind, friendly, and knew each player by name. It is difficult to even imagine the incredible number of people whose lives he touched and were made better by his presence. He will be missed. Our deepest sympathy to family and friends. Prayers for peace.

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  49. There are no words!!!! We are deeply saddened by the death of a dear friend..You will be missed beyond words.To Deb and family, we will continue to pray for all of you..RIP Bret…

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  50. Will miss seeing and talking with Bret at the store. A good man, the world needs more men like him.
    Sincerest condolances to all his family and friends.

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  51. Bret was the greatest man in Wooster and also the USA. the pleasure of knowing him and having worked closely with him was my great pleasure!!!! Sorry for your lost. I will have great thoughts of him all the rest of my life. My prayers are with you all.

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  52. Hoping these words will help you find comfort during this time of sorrow. Bret was one of the nicest people you could ever know. Generous just doesn’t quite cover it. He gave of his time, money, or a helping hand. He was a friend to my parents and we loved Bret like he was our family. To his family I pray that time help you heal and bring you peace.

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  53. Bret was a very special person… Few people walk this earth as well as he did…He was always top shelf…It was our pleasure knowing him…Our thoughts and prayers are with you now… and in the days to come… With love and Blessings – Tate Farms – Hal & Nancee, Bruce and Russ Tate

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  54. So sorry for your loss. I didn’t personally know Bret, but have heard NOTHING but wonderful things about him. I work at United Titanium, Inc. and I know his great friend Tim Tylka thought the world of Bret and helped me out many times with getting beverages from Bret. I always thought it was amazing that Bret provided coolers, ice, and the amazing return policy. After reading the articles and hearing what all he did for the youth and the community – I am just in awe. Prayers and hugs to all the family. I hope that you can keep all the businesses running in his honor. I am certain that Tylka was waiting to greet Bret as well. RIP Bret.

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  55. The outpouring of love and memories for Bret is the true measure of the man. I pray for strength, peace and healing for your family.

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  56. Deb and family I am so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the days ahead knowing how many lives he has touched. May he rest in peace praying for you and your family.

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  57. Our deepest condolences to Deb, Corbett, family & loved ones. Bret will forever be remembered for his kindness to us. We will miss seeing him during our visits to Ohio. Prayers for peace and comfort to your family.. Forever in our hearts. Mike & Tracey

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  58. My condolences to Brets loved ones, he will surel be missed.

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  59. A great friend, a great guy… Always helping others. A true leader in the community. Your love and compassion will continue to be passed on through all the lives you have touched. We are all better people thanks to your friendship.
    We will miss you, and
    you will never be forgotten

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  60. May his wisdom and spirit live on in INTERNAL PEACE.

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  61. There are stars whose radiance is visible on Earth though they have long been extinct. There are people whose brilliance continues to light the world even though they are no longer among the living. These lights are particularly bright when the night is dark. They light the way for humankind.

    You will be missed by many, Bret. Peace be with you and your dear family.

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  62. So sorry for the family for your loss! He was a kind hearted person, a giving person and would do anything for you! He was very helpful for our wedding reception for supplies and even showed up! He was such a great and generous man! I can’t praise him enough! I worked with Deb and now with Sheree and my heart goes out to them and their families! What a terrible loss for Wooster! Your in my thoughts and prayers! Peace be with you!! Unbelievable. No words to express my sadness, my heart goes out to his family he’ll be missed definitely! Love, Hugs, and Prayers!

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  63. My thoughts and prayers are with you all

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  64. Dear classmate may you now rest easy in the arms of our Lord. My prayers go out to all of your family, friends and any lucky enough to have known you. May they seek refuge in God to get through these difficult times of sorrow. Thinking of you Sherri and holding you in prayer.

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  65. My condolences to the family, my prayers are with all of you. Those of us who knew him have lost a very special friend who had a tremoundously big heart. Rest peaceful my friend.

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  66. There are no words that will describe the loss of Bret…A Rock for all who knew him…You will be sorely missed .Your family will remain in our hearts and prayers..

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  67. My heart aches with all of you. Bret was a community force that served Wooster well.

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  68. There are no words that describe the loss of you Bret. You were a Rock to everyone that knew you. Your Family will be in our hearts and in our prayers always. RIP, Bret….

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  69. A father figure, my basketball coach, my karate teacher, the man who got me my first job, a very close family friend. A very close family friend. My heart hurts very much for this loss

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  70. deb our condolances for you and your family we want you to know that brett was a good friend of ours and he will be missed a lot and not only for us but you all more im sure you all take care of each other and he is with his maker and its gonna be hard for a while but as each day goes by be happy that you all had a wonderfull life i ask that you take care of yourself and think of the good things you and he had. we care and hope and wish you all the best cause you all had a good man in your life .

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  71. Funny, Bret, how just interacting with you as a customer could make me feel better even though we disagreed about ALMOST everything except how to treat our fellow travelers. Members of my family and I will remember you with every good deed we see and every good deed we do. We are feeling such a profound loss at your passing. We can only hope that the love of the community will sustain your beloved family today and every day.

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  72. Funny, Bret, how just seeing you as a customer always made me feel good even though we disagreed about almost everything except the Golden Rule. My family members and I will remember you every time we see a good deed and every time we do a good deed. We hope that your grieving family is comforted by faith and your beloved community.

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  73. The words will not come. Shock has not let go yet. I loved you both so much. I will connect with you after things calm down some. My heart goes out to you and your children. Bret was a great guy to all. Just know you are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending hugs and comfort to all of you! Love, Ed and Jeanette

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  74. So sorry for your loss, Bret was a huge asset to our community and and a friend to all that knew him. He will be missed

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  75. Our family was shocked to find out that Bret had passed. He was one of the kindest, most generous people we’ve ever met. Our hearts go out to the family, and may he rest in peace. He will be missed.

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  76. The world has lost a great man.my prayers go out to all of the family. May God be with you.

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  77. The world has lost a great man. May my prayers go out to all of you. God bless you all.

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  78. Rest in peace my friend. U will be missed.

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  79. My belated condolences. Please know of my prayers for Bret and for all of you his family and friends in Wooster and beyond. I will be offering a private Mass this week to remember Bret. I remain grateful to have gotten to know him in my short time in Wooster at St. Mary’s. He was a blessing to many and his absence will be deeply felt. But, we also can have faith in God’s merciful love which alone has the power to bridge the divide between death and loss to eternal life and reunion. I pray that you may find consolation in the discovery of this love that leads to that Hope that can sustain us in this life as we advance steadily toward eternal life, that promised reward of faith. Blessings. -Fr. Trenta

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