Brett Thomas Burkinshaw

Brett Thomas Burkinshaw, 47, died Thursday evening, July 1, 2021 at High Pointe House in Haverhill, MA after a valiant 19 month battle with Glioblastoma Brain Cancer. He was born on August 1, 1973 in Salem, MA to Thomas and Claudette (Daigle) Burkinshaw. He was a graduate of Pentucket High School, Class of ‘91, where he was a standout baseball player. Following his graduation, he furthered his education by attending Salem State College.

Brett began the career that he loved at the age of 16 when he became a Call Firefighter for the West Newbury Fire Department. During and after his college years, he was employed at the Essex County Sheriff's Department. He then became a Call Firefighter for the Newburyport Fire Department in 2003 before being hired as a full-time Firefighter in 2010. He was also a Reserve for the Newburyport Police Department, as well as the Fire Alarm Superintendent in Newburyport. Brett was a tireless worker.  On the side, he was a Strobe Light Technician installing lights for several municipalities and private vehicles for many years.

Brett enjoyed attending concerts over the years, especially AC/DC, as he was their number one fan. He was an animal lover, fondly referred to by his family as “Dr. Doolittle.” He also enjoyed spending time with friends and family on the Cape. Nothing made him happier than spending time with his daughter, Emma.

In addition to his parents, Brett is survived by his loving wife of 15 years, Cheryl (Briggs) Burkinshaw of Merrimac and their daughter Emma; siblings, Kate Byrne and her husband Paul of Merrimac, and Gregg Burkinshaw and his wife Danielle of Merrimac; nieces and nephews, Quinn, Jack, Beau, Angelina and Bradley; as well as his sister-in-law Paige Perry and her husband Glenn of Truro, MA.

Family and friends may call from 4:00 to 8:00 PM on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at the Twomey, LeBlanc, & Conte Funeral Home 193 High St. Newburyport, MA 01950. There is no longer any parking available behind the funeral home per order of the City of Newburyport. His funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, July 7, 2021 at Immaculate Conception Church in Newburyport. Family has asked that anyone attending the Mass go directly to the Church. Burial will be private at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Brett’s name to the National Brain Tumor Society at www.braintumor.org or High Pointe House at www.homehealthfoundation.org.

For directions or to offer online condolences, please visit www.tlcfuneralhome.com. 

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