Dr. Brett Allan Chicko, DPM, 58, of Fredericksburg, VA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the University of Virginia Medical Center. He was born on November 6, 1966, in Weymouth, MA to Joanna Peters Chicko and the late Frank Anthony Chicko, Jr. Dr. Brett Chicko was a deeply respected and compassionate Foot and Ankle Surgeon, whose life was marked by excellence, integrity, and unwavering dedication to his patients, family, and community. Born and raised in Norwell, Massachusetts, a small town just outside of Boston, Brett was a standout athlete from a young age. At Norwell High School, he earned varsity letters in both football and wrestling, going on to become a two-time Massachusetts State Division 2 Wrestling Champion and a two-time New England Champion. His exceptional talent on the mat earned him Boston Globe All-Scholastic honors three years in a row and the title of Division 2 Wrestler of the Year as a senior. On the football field, he was a four-year varsity player who garnered both Boston Globe and Boston Herald All-Scholastic accolades, was named Division 4 Football Player of the Year, and received the prestigious National Football Foundation Hall of Fame Scholar-Athlete Award. In 2012, he was inducted into the Norwell High School Athletics Hall of Fame. Brett went on to attend Boston College from 1985 to 1989 on a full football scholarship, where he earned a degree in Marketing. His interest in healthcare eventually led him to pursue medicine, completing pre-medical studies at Northeastern University from 1992 to 1996. In 1997, he began his formal medical training at Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine (TUSPM) in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, earning his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree in 2001. He went on to complete a three-year surgical residency at Crozer-Keystone Health Systems in Delaware County, Pennsylvania, serving as Chief Resident in his final year. During that time, he authored The Crozer-Keystone Podiatric Residency and Externship Manual, which became a valuable resource for future trainees. Dr. Chicko was board certified in both Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle Surgery. After beginning his career in Dover, Delaware, he ultimately settled in Fredericksburg, Virginia, in 2005, where he built a reputation for clinical excellence and compassionate care. In 2015, alongside his wife Mary Ann, he founded Family Foot and Ankle Center, a private practice grounded in his vision of providing patient centered, high quality care in a warm and welcoming environment. The practice quickly became a cornerstone of the local medical community. Dr. Chicko's contributions extended beyond his own practice. He served two terms as Chairperson of Podiatry at Mary Washington Hospital, mentoring young professionals and advancing the field of podiatric medicine in the region. His achievements were recognized by his peers and patients alike, being named "Top Doc of Northern Virginia" in 2013 and 2014 and was a finalist for "Best of the 'Burg" by The Free Lance-Star in 2022. Brett's life was characterized by boundless energy, curiosity, and a desire to live life fully. He was a prolific writer, authoring four novels and two memoirs. He remained committed to physical fitness, completing four marathons and four half-marathons, including two while pushing his son in a jogging stroller, as well as a sprint triathlon. He was also an avid weightlifter. A lifelong fan of Boston sports, Brett followed the Red Sox and Patriots with passion. He also had a love for motorcycles and, after graduating from college, rode solo across the country, embracing the freedom and adventure of the open road. In the kitchen, Brett found joy and creativity as an enthusiastic cook who loved trying new recipes and sharing meals with family and friends. His talents and interests were many, but above all, he cherished his role as a devoted husband and loving father. His family was always at the center of his life and the source of his greatest pride. Dr. Brett Chicko's legacy is one of service, compassion, and an unrelenting drive to make a positive impact in the lives of others. He will be remembered not only as a skilled physician and dedicated leader, but as a kind, generous, and inspiring human being whose presence left a lasting mark on all who knew him. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Mary Ann R. Chicko; his daughter, Audrey C. Chicko; his son, Evan B. Chicko; his brothers, Frank A. Chicko, III (wife, Rhonda), and Todd J. Chicko (wife, Lisa); and his sister, Amy Chicko; his nephew, Frank A. Chicko, IV (wife, Zuzana), niece/Godchild, Jessica A. Chicko, nephew, Matthew R. Chicko, niece, Grace R. Chicko, nephew/Godchild, Cameron J. Chicko and nephew/Godchild, Isaac Chicko; his grand-nephew Frank A. Chicko, V; his Godchildren, Gabriel Hirsch and Cailin Hurrie. A Celebration of Life for Brett's family, friends, and colleagues will be held on Wednesday, August 27, 2025 from 2 pm to 5 pm at Stevenson Ridge, 6901 Meeting St., Spotsylvania, VA 22553. www.stevensonridge.com In lieu of flowers, the family kindly invites those who wish to honor Brett's memory to consider contributing to a college fund established for Audrey and Evan. Your generosity will help continue Brett's legacy and support his children's future. For more information or to make a contribution, please click the link below: An online guestbook is available at www.compassionatecremationva.com Compassionate Cremation Services of Ruckersville, VA is handling the arrangements.