Brett Willoughby Obituary

Brett W. Willoughby

Brett W. Willoughby, 77, of Tiffin, died at 4:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 11, 2024, at The Willows at Tiffin.

Brett was born June 12, 1946, in Seneca County, to Robert L. and Lucille P. (Hosang) Willoughby. He married Lois J. Brickner on July 9, 1971, at St. Andrew Catholic Church, and she survives.

Brett's other survivors include a daughter, Jodi (William) Willoughby Tebeau of Powell; two grandchildren, Camden and Crosby Tebeau; brother, Brad (Kathy) Willoughby of Tiffin; two sisters-in-law, Darlene Hohman of New Riegel and Donna (Paul) Gosche of Bascom; brother-in-law, Ron (Kelly) Brickner of North Carolina; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, R. Scott Willoughby; and wife, Kate.

Brett was a 1964 graduate of Tiffin Calvert Catholic High School and earned his bachelor's degree from Marian College and master's degree from Bowling Green State University. He was a teacher at Fostoria St. Wendelin, Tiffin St. Joseph, and retired from Mohawk School. After retirement, Brett was drawn back into the classroom at New Riegel High School on a part-time basis. He also taught at Tiffin University and Brown Mackie College.

Brett was a well-known figure in athletics in the Tiffin area. He was a member of the Tiffin Officials Association as he officiated football, basketball, baseball, softball, and volleyball.

In addition to teaching and officiating, Brett coached basketball at St. Wendelin, St. Joseph, and Mohawk. Due to having too much free time, Brett also served as Commissioner of the Midland Athletic League.

In 2000, Brett received a diagnosis of Parkinson's Disease, which curtailed his active lifestyle drastically. It did not, however, diminish his love of sports. He remained an avid (though pessimistic) supporter of Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Browns. Later on due to the influence of his son-in-law, he became a fan of hockey and Columbus Blue Jackets and forever maintained that a two-goal lead is the worst lead in hockey.

In 2013, Brett unofficially changed his name to "Papa" and relished his duties as Lois's assistant grandparent.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Willows at Tiffin for all of their caring gestures during Brett's four-year stay.

Visitation will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 9, 2024, until the time of Brett's service at 11 a.m. at TRAUNERO FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY, 214 S. Monroe Street, Tiffin, Ohio, 44883, (419) 447-3113. The Rev. Tim Kummerer will officiate and burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Heartland Hospice, F.A.C.T., or Michael J. Fox Parkinson's Research Foundation.

To send online condolences to the family, go to www.traunerofuneralhome.com.