Photo courtesy of Colonial Funeral Home of Leesburg
Leesburg, Virginia
Feb 12, 1949 – Feb 8, 2022 (Age 72)
Joseph “Joe” C. Breda passed away on February 8, 2022, in his Leesburg, Virginia home following a heroic fight with pancreatic cancer.
He was born February 12, 1949, in Abbateggio, Italy to Francesco and Filomena Breda. He grew up in Rensselaer, New York where he met his childhood sweetheart, Royan Breda. Joe and Royan married in 1968. A graduate of Clarkson University, he was an accomplished engineer serving most recently as Chief Scientist at Leidos.
He is survived by Royan, his sons Joseph (Suzanne) Breda and Michael (Kristie) Breda, grandchildren Olivia and Chase, and siblings Anna, Quintino, Lina, and John. He was predeceased by his beloved daughter Lisa (Breda) Cappelli.
Joe was a deep thinker who also derived great enjoyment working with his hands. He was a self-taught carpenter, electrician, plumber, landscaper, mechanic, and gardener who was always in the middle of a home improvement project. He enjoyed traveling, food, wine, and the company of close friends. Above all, he cherished time spent with his family.
Observing the increasingly polarized world we live in, he offered this simple advice: “Always choose civility.”
A celebration of Joe’s life will be scheduled at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to consider a donation to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network or Hospice.
Read MoreDear Uncle Joe and Lisa, Your brother and uncle are now with you in eternal rest. Quintino loved you very much! He passed on Feb. 20, 2024
Angela Marie Breda
February 26, 2024 | Family
Fond memories of Joe in high school . Nice guy and smart as a whip
Bruce Van Dyk
February 11, 2023
RIP Joe.
Frank Titus
February 20, 2022
To Joe's family and especially his sister Lina, This is sad news of a great and very smart guy. I was so lucky to share four years of homeroom and Regents classes with Joe. He had a quiet confidence, a love of learning and participating , and always was ready to share a smile or eye-rolling! Many peers adored Joe and he and Royan were "the couple" we all wanted to be. I was happy to read of all they accomplished together and send my sincere sympathy to you all. Diane Hanley Reilly
Diane Reilly
February 20, 2022 | Voorheesville, NY | Friend
I’m so sorry to hear about Uncle Joe’s passing. Uncle joe was an inspiration. He was so kind and generous. I have so many memories of visiting him and Aunt Royan in New Hartford and Maryland. I will also cherish the memories of our conversations, going out to dinner and drinking espresso. He will be missed.
Derek Cacciotti
February 17, 2022 | Voorheesville, NY | Family
It has been so hard to express how truly sad we are to hear of Uncle Joe's passing. I have so many fond memories from childhood spending time with him in Rome or in New Hartford over the summer months or on holidays with the entire family there❤ Seeing him and Aunt Royan at christenings was a treat as time went onPlease know that Mom, Anna, is heartbroken over losing her "baby" brother, as she calls him. Our warmest thoughts and prayers are with you Aunt Royan, JoJo & Michael and families...
Richard Baker
February 17, 2022 | Rensselaer, NY | Family
I am so sorry to hear of Uncle Joe's passing. He was such a beautiful man and I will always remember how kind and caring he was. I have so many fond memories that I will always cherish. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Maria
Maria Payne
February 17, 2022 | Duanesburg, NY | Family
I’m so sorry for your loss, but I know my Mother (Carmela) is with him now. He was loved and will be missed and will always be remembered.
Love Fifi
Fifi Pryor
February 16, 2022 | Family
You were such an inspiration to me and although I did not see you as often as I would have liked to, you and the family were always in my thoughts and prayers❤ You fought so hard and now your at eternal rest. I will always cherish the memories I had with You Uncle Joe, Aunt Royan, Lisa, Jo-Jo, and Micheal My deepest condolences, I love you all always and forever, Angela Breda & son's Solan and Areyn Breda-Oliver❤
Angela Breda
February 16, 2022 | Albany, NY | Family
