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Thomas McBreen Obituary

McBreen, Thomas Patrick
Thomas Patrick McBreen, 87, passed away on May 11th, 2011 at the Northern Arizona VA Hospital in Prescott, AZ. He was born Sept. 18th, 1923 in Concord, Massachusetts to Henry Edward McBreen and Mary Theresa (Carty) McBreen. Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Joan Barbara (Bullock) McBreen, and their five children, Timothy McBreen, Marcia Opel (Randy Brosius), Janice McBreen, Kevin McBreen (Beth Broering), and Brian McBreen (Heidi). He is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Megan Opel, Patrick Opel, Connor McBreen, David Mellan, Heather Mellan, Kyle McBreen and Shannon McBreen. His surviving siblings include Joseph McBreen of Merrimack, NH, Elizabeth Healy of Fitchburg, MA, and Margaret Ritchie of Concord, MA. He was preceded in death by his brothers Henry McBreen of Peabody, MA, John McBreen of Concord, MA, and by his sisters Mary Spencer of Acton, MA, Catherine Hartnagel of Torrance, CA. Tom served his country during WWII in the United States Army Air Corps, 9th Air Force, 442nd Troop Carrier Group, 306th Squadron. Tom married Joan in 1951 and they moved to Phoenix, AZ in 1952 where they raised their family. Tom joined the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office in 1959, retiring as a Lieutenant in 1981. Tom and Joan moved to Dewey, Arizona in 1988 where they enjoyed their retirement. Tom loved to travel and was proud to say he put his motor home in 49 states. He was a proud member of Prescott Elks Lodge #330, Prescott Antique Auto Club (Past President), American Legion Post #78, and Knights of Columbus Council #8386. He wanted to thank his family and friends for patiently listening to all of his stories, even if they had heard them many times before. A Funeral Mass with body will be conducted at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mayer AZ on Monday May 16th, at 11:00 A.M. Friends may visit with Tom's family on Sunday May 15th, from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the Sunrise Funeral Home at 8167 E. Hwy 69 in Prescott Valley. There will also be a Celebration of Life at the Prescott Country Club on Monday afternoon after the funeral services from 12:30 to 3:00 P.M. At Tom's request, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any Veteran's organization, St. Vincent de Paul, or the VA Hospice.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Arizona Republic from May 13 to May 15, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas McBreen

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kathy hadrich

May 19, 2011

To the McBreen Family- I only had the pleasure of being around Mr. McBreen a few times, but the stories I heard about him make me feel as though I knew him well. I'm so very sorry as I know he was such a huge part of all your lives. Much love and many hugs! Kathy Hadrich, Jeff & Stasha and boys, Steph and Matt

Susan (McBreen) LeClaire

May 16, 2011

There are no words to express the sadness of losing a phenominal man..So I will honor his wishes and shed no tears just joyous memories of the many laughs that were shared.
My dad (Joe McBreen)has also felt the sadness but with his memories of a true best friend and brother he will carry on with many stories that just warm your heart..and just like his brother, he may even tell them more than once.:)
Aunt Joan, Tim,Marcia,Kevin, Janice and Brian you are all in our thoughts and prayers and I send you all my love
Susan

Rose Meade

May 16, 2011

The Peabody McBreens were all sadden to hear of the loss of Uncle Tom. We all shared our special memories of his amazing presence & humor. Most notable, I remember him coming to our dad's ( Harry ) services and sharing his touching thoughts on his big brother. It was a wonderful tribute to the power of love of family. I know that the Arizona McBreens as well as the extended McBreen family realize how fortunate we are to belong to such a loving family. Tom will always be in our hearts. Brendan, Andrew, Peter, Ellen & myself are thinking of you today as you celebrate his wonderful life.

May 15, 2011

It sounds like he was an amazing man. Our deepest sympathy for your loss.
Dan and Cathy Krznarich

Tom & Brandy McMahon

May 15, 2011

Brian: I only met your father a few times, but he made a lasting positive impression. From the stories I've heard & just knowing some of the children that he raised, he must have been a wonderful father. We are so sorry for your loss.

bob dornic

May 15, 2011

Brain,
Sorry to hear about your Dad. You and your family are in our prayers.
The Dornic Family

Joe Velasquez

May 14, 2011

How lucky I was to know a man such as him at the begining of my Law-enforcement career. I shall miss his wisdom. Take confort in knowing that you now have a guardian angel watching over you. Know that my prayers go out to his family. May he rest in peace.

Robbin Marie McGowan Coss

May 14, 2011

Love you guys! I wish I could be there with you. Just know that I am thinking of you all. You all hold a very special place in my heart with many many happy memories. XOXOXOXO Robbin

Liz and Joe Pierotti

May 13, 2011

Brian and Heidi, Our family's thoughts and prayers are with you

Kranz Family

May 13, 2011

Dear McBreen family,
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers in this time of sorrow.

Shannon McBreen

May 13, 2011

I love you grandpa! I miss you already:(

Dick Colvin

May 13, 2011

Tom was a long-time and active member of Prescott Lodge #330. He will be sorely missed.

DICK/JUDY MARLEY

May 13, 2011

T.P. YOU WERE ONE OF THE BEST, IT WAS GREAT TO WORK WITH YOU AND NOW MAY YOU REST IN PEACE. YOU WILL BE MISSED BY MANY.MY CONDOLENCES TO YOUR FAMILY

Eric & Lynne Murray

May 13, 2011

Joan, Brian, Heidi, Marcia, Randy, Janice, Kevin & Tim, and all of the grandkids....our sympathies and prayers go out to you all....Tom was a blessing to many including myself....he will be greatly missed

Laura Bechta-Mcdonald

May 13, 2011

Marcia....sorry for your loss...thinking about you hugs.

Tom & Judy Luffey

May 13, 2011

Brian, So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thought and prayers are with you and your family during this time of sorrow.

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