Paul Joseph Breslin

Paul Joseph Breslin Paul Joseph Breslin passed away at home on January 6, 2004 surrounded by his family. Paul was born on February 14, 1934 to Neil and Mary Breslin at Alta Bates Hospital in Berkeley, California. He attended St. Mary's High School and continued his education at Contra Costa Junior College. Paul began his career working for Mechanics Bank at the Richmond Branch. Shortly after, he joined the Navy as a Radarman on a Minesweeper. He spent 2 years of active duty sailing to ports in Japan and the Far East. Upon completion of his service, Paul returned to Mechanics Bank and assisted in the opening of the Pinole Branch in 1960. He became Assistant Manager of the Pinole Branch in 1965 and Vice President in 1991. Paul was known as the "hand-shake" banker and assisted many generations of customers before he retired in 1996 after 42 years. Paul was an active member of numerous organizations in the city of Pinole such as the J.C.'s, Chamber of Commerce, Lions Club, Business Men, and was devoted to St. Joseph's Church for 18 plus years. During his career he participated in the Pinole Rotary and was made an honorary member of the Hercules Rotary in February 2000. Paul was also on the board of directors for Doctor's Hospital. He was actively involved with the Pinole Men's Golf Association and FIGS and the J.C.E.R's. For 15 years, he was one of several who directed an annual program for the Vietnam Veterans. He was a sport enthusiast, who enjoyed golf, football, and basketball. He particularly liked coaching CYO basketball for his two sons, Ed and Steve. More recently, he volunteered as an assistant coach for his daughter Mary-Elizabeth's team at Saint Catherine of Siena. Paul was an avid SF 49er's fan and season ticket holder. He spent many Sundays attending games with his son Steve and good friends. In addition, Paul enjoyed Cal Berkeley Football games where as a young man he sold programs. Paul took pleasure in vacationing to Lake Tahoe, Disneyland, and on Ocean Cruises with his family. He also looked forward to taking his annual trip to Reno with the Rotary Club. In his spare time, Paul loved playing cribbage and collecting antiques and memorabilia. Paul is survived by his wife, Carol, daughter Mary-Elizabeth, sons, Edward Paul and Stephen Joseph, mother Mary, and grandchildren Angela and Morgan. A celebration of Paul's life will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2004 at 1:00 p.m. at the Willow Pass Center, 2748 E. Olivera Road, Concord, California. For further information, please call 510-724-5114. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Catherine of Siena School in Martinez or the Salvation Army.