Brett Louis Eberle
November 20, 1951 ~ October 15, 2021
Resided in:
South Portland, ME
South Portland - Brett L. Eberle died on October 15, 2021, at home with his family, of an aggressive and fast-moving glioblastoma. From August 20, when he experienced the first symptoms, Brett faced his prognosis with dignity and courage. He lived his remaining days by connecting with family and friends, making sure he left the world in peace and harmony.
Brett was born and raised in Lafayette, Indiana, to Gerald and Jacqueline Eberle. As one of 13 siblings, Brett learned early in life the value of teamwork, compromise, frugality, loyalty, and inner strength. Brett graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1970, Purdue University in 1974, and Emory University's Physical Therapy program in 1975. He went back and earned his DPT from Emory in 2004. Brett married Jane Anderson on June 30, 1973, starting an adventure that would take them all around the country, settling finally in their forever home of South Portland, Maine, where they raised their three children.
For more than 35 years, as the owner of the Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy Clinic in Portland, Brett delighted in helping his patients achieve their mobility, strength, and rehabilitation goals. Brett's interests were many and varied, fueled by his lifelong curiosity about the world and its mysteries. He traveled to Guatemala, Australia, France, Italy, Spain, Germany, the Caribbean, Canada, and all throughout the US, from Miami to Anchorage. He was a prolific and creative woodworker, making furniture, bowls, boxes, and toys. In his recent years, he explored hundreds of miles of Maine on his bicycle.
Of all his many accomplishments, his children and grandchildren provided him with the most joy, happiness, and satisfaction imaginable. He was the best father and "Paw" on earth. The happiest times of his life were when he and Jane had the whole family together at their camp on Great Pond in Maine.
Brett's children and grandchildren will carry on his legacy of kindness, curiosity, and making the world a place for all to live with respect and tolerance. Carrying on for Brett are Jacob Eberle and his wife Caroline, of Brooklyn, NY, Jocelyn Weidner and her husband Barry, of Horsham, PA, their three beautiful children Emma, Brady, and Sam, and Clayton Eberle, of South Portland, ME. Jane, along with the rest of Brett's family and friends, are forever grateful for the gift that was his life and love.
There will be a celebration of Brett's life when it is safe to gather. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of South Portland. To view Brett's memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com.
In lieu of flowers, per Brett's emphatic wishes: get vaccinated. And make a donation to a local health care facility to support the health care workers who put their lives on the line every day for the greater good of our communities.
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Jane and family, so sorry for your loss.
– Sally and Bill Funk
I had been a regular patient of Brett, the doctor, and he greatly contributed to my quality of life, just like any good healer. He was such a gifted healer though with lots of experience, knowledge, creativity, graciousness, generosity, humbleness, presence…. Such a kind spirit, I really learned a lot from this inspiring person and he was always quick to share his knowledge. He had a kindly, genuine laugh. At his business his employees always seemed happy, he regularly hosted and mentored ‘green’ PT interns, and always had the office decorated for the holidays. His work ethic seemed nearly tireless. He was so thoughtful in that, to a new PT he would make a point to mention specific work I had done on my own, outside PT, to improve my own condition. A true renaissance man as well, who, if prompted might describe his creations, I always wanted to be able to see what his lamps and furniture projects looked like! Maybe someday. I feel lucky to have met and benefited from him (I have chronic health issues). He was one of those people who really does want to make the world a better place in whatever way they can. I am very sorry for the family and friends’ loss and wish all the best.
– .ib.
I went to high school with Brett and Greg. Greg was my best friend. Brett was a couple years behind me. We used to hang out together from time to time. He made a big impression on me so much that I name my first son after him! I can tell that time he was going to be something special. I have a lot of memories of Brett. One memory I have is sledding down Cason street on to Ferry St and down to Perrin St. Brett jumped on my back and we both went down it was about 5 blocks double. Best sled ride ever! Thoughts and prayer to the Eberle family!
– John Cornell
This is such sad, horrible news. We have known Brett and Jane since 1976, college days, before kids. Brett, we will miss you and your lovely ways! Your curiosity and positivity were wonderful. All our love to Jane and all the kids! Karen and Pat Callaghan
– Karen Callaghan
The Physical Therapy community has lost a great, caring practitioner. We worked with Brett for many years with the Maine APTA as officers, continuing education committee, the annual PT 8K Road Race along with many other activities. His dedication to the profession of Physical Therapy and provision of quality care was unsurpassed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Brett’s family at this time. Nancy and Neil Schuster
– Nancy and Neil Schuster
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Funeral Home
– A Memorial Tree was planted for Brett Louis Eberle
Jane, I am so sorry to hear of Brett’s passing. My thoughts are with you and your family. Jim Elkins
– Jim Elkins
To Jane, Jake Clayton and Jocelyn, I was so sorry to here of the passing of your dad husband and grandfather. I have non the family a long time Jacke is a friend of Jeff tully and Laure played field hockey with Jocelyn and I new clayton at goodwill. So sorry for the loss in your family. I new Jane through school. Take care. From, Kristen tully
– Kristen Tully
Just wish to say that Brett was the best and most caring and knowledgeable sports physical therapist I’ve had the pleasure of working with. His calm, gentle, and reassuring demeanor and skill were always in evidence, and helped me avoid back surgery, putting me on my feet with confidence. I recommended all my loved ones work with him as well, and he made significant positive differences in their lives and health. We will miss him terribly.
– Stu
I knew Brett thru the Maine Chapter of American Physical Therapy Assn. He was always a helpful, smiling, concerned individual. I’m so sorry for your loss.
– Kathleen Potrepka
I was fortunate to have been one of Brett’s PT clients and can honestly say he was the most caring competent health care providers I have met. A wonderful human being.
– Victoria Saniuk
Jane and family, my thoughts and love go out to you all during this difficult time. Jane, I believe I had only met Brett one time when I saw you out and about. I can see his smile is contagious and the kindness he clearly shared with all those around him. He definitely had to have been a wise and lovely man to have chosen you his wife. He knew what he was doing. My love to you and may you find strength each day as you hold on to the many memories you share.
– Kristin Ortiz
I am heartbroken to learn about the loss of Brett. May the love of family and friends help soften the sadness with the cherished memories that you have all shared. Know that he loved you all so very much and that love continues to live on within each of you. My deepest sympathy and condolences to your entire family. My prayers and love to all Laurie Inness
– Laurie Inness
Jane family and OSPTC Staff, I was shocked to learn of Brett’s passing just a couple of weeks ago. I have been a patient of Brett’s for over 20 years and always considered him to be a friend, confident and medical consultant. Brett always worked closely with me, to first delay a back surgery for seven years and then to assist me in my recoveries from over five procedures during these 20 years. Brett was always willing to try new ideas to do everything in his power to return me to the best quality of life he could develop. Brett would set me up with various workouts in his gym to table exercises and manual stretching. Brett did the best anyone could possibly do to keep me productive in society. Brett always shared his love for family, Maine, woodworking and his skills with student internships. I was always impressed how Brett would give back to his profession by mentoring students with his time and knowledge for as long as I have known him. He would share with me our mutual love and experiences of flying light aircraft. I will so much miss his smile and endless reserve of energy. Dave Hempstead
– Dave Hempstead
I knew Brett many years ago! We worked together and attended Purdue at that same time! He was one of those people in a life that enters your memories now and then and you wonder’What ever happened to that guy ?’ While I’m saddened tohearofhis passing, I am glad to know that he lived a positive life of love ,laughter, and contentment . He was a good man! Rest In Peace Brett !!
– Terry Maddox
I was greatly saddened to learn of Brett’s passing this morning. We knew each other as fellow physical therapists in the Portland area since he first moved to Maine with his equally talented and impressive wife, Jane. Brett and I knew each other mostly through our involvement years ago with Maine’s professional organization for physical therapists, the American Physical Therapy Association and its Maine Chapter. For two or three years we represented Maine together as Delegates to the national association’s House of Delegates. Brett and I agreed on many things, especially the importance of a national association and its promotion of professional physical therapists and their values, as well as making valuable contributions insofar as the best care for physical therapy patients is concerned. As the Director of Physical Therapy Services at Maine Medical Center during the ’80s, a key decade of growth for the physical therapist profession, I place Brett as one of the key PTs helping to promote the growth of private practice physical therapy services in Maine, and especially the greater Portland area. He was a fine leader-by-example in all that he did…professionally and personally. It is clear that he was a great family man, and his curiosity and openness to new ideas and places made for a rich and fulfilling life. Eternal peace to you Brett. You made a very positive difference in Maine…professionally as well as personally.
– Allen Wicken
Dear Jane and family, We are so very sorry to learn of Brett’s passing. We have fond memories of him as he served the South Portland football team and with our kids running around together. Brett, as with you Jane, have been very involved in community, whether here or on Great Pond, which has made a difference. With warm thoughts, memories and prayers, Connie and Louise
– Connie and Louise Nisbet
My condolences to the family and all who share this loss! Brett was a great guy and a genuinely nice person. Dick Dennis
– Dick Dennis
Hello Jane and Family, Such sad news. I always admired this Guy ! He was so cool. I was on Brett’s St. Mary`s Yellowjacket Teams! 1970- 71 with a 23-0 record two years in a row ! Coach Brett Eberle set a example in me that I still live with. Again so sad for you and your Family. Steve Meyers
– Steve Meyers
My heartfelt sympathy to your family, may Gods loving arms envelope you with peace and comfort. Diane Kochert Skillen Classmate CC
– Diane Kochert skillen
Brett was more than a great physical therapist. He was a great practical diagnostitian (often better than the physicians on the case), and a great coach. I was Brett’s patient for several years starting in 2004. When a disc in my back ruptured, I was in so much pain that I asked to be brought in from my car in a wheelchair. Brett gave me the right pep talk to enable me to work through the pain (with the help of his therapy, of course), avoid surgery, and resume normal activities, including climbing Katahdin, which he did around the same time and which we talked about while dealing with an unrelated problem that occurred afterwards. Discussions about trips, etc. were always good. He was a great human being. I’ll miss him, and I’m sorry for your loss.
– Michael Peisner
I’m so very sorry for your loss of Brett. I’m thankful that though it was so fast, you all got to spend the last 2 months saying goodbye and being together. I hope you all can find some comfort in your memories and knowing that he loved you all so much. You’ll all be in my prayers. In memory of a life so beautifully lived and a heart so deeply loved Sue Borelli
– Susan Borelli