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Stephen Breen Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Stephen Breen
Sponsored by the Muller Family.
Ryan Breen
April 14, 2022
Thank you to everyone who remembered and who remembers my father. May his memory live on. <3
Rick Howard-Smith
May 15, 2007
Stephen, you brought great joy to so many. I loved our meals together. You would practice a recipe to perfection, and then you and Kathy would carry it off with great aplomb like Siamese twins, all the while keeping your guests entertained with your wry humor. When ever you came to visit I knew that I could count on a very appreciative guest, with excellent manners, and very thoughtful insight into parenting. I loved the wonderful communication you maintained with all of your children. It is a rare dad who can keep up that bond through the difficulties of adolescents. I love running into you on the soccer fields of Woodside and Portola Valley, two happy soccer dads. You were a special person and I will keep your memory alive every day.
Love,
Rick
Pam Brewer
May 14, 2007
I've never had the honor and privilege of meeting Stephen, but I have heard many good things about him from my mother (who is Kathy's neighbor). My mother had told me about his passing and said she had met him once at Kathy's house(I believe at a house warming party). She told me he seemed like the type of person that she had known all of her life. She was quite impressed by him and his caring ways. This says alot, as my mother is very selective in who she feels comfortable around. I would like to send our heartfelt sympathies from my mother and I to Kathy, and to Stephen's family.
This is part of a quote that I have always loved and try to live by in my daily life.
"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." In reading the other entries, it seems that Stephen was that person that people will never forget because of how he made them feel. I know my mother is one of them.God Bless you all..you are in our prayers.
Pam Brewer & Alta Dunlop
Elizabeth Hasley
May 13, 2007
I am thinking of Danna this Mother's Day, mother extraordinaire. It is some comfort to know she and Stephen were able to come full circle, see each other, acknowledge how much each meant to the other and the children meant to them, before he died. I will never forget Stephen's family coming in from all over; it was so wonderful. Stephen, Danna and their family are very much in our hearts and thoughts. With love, Michael and Buffy
Fred Rosenberg
May 12, 2007
Steve was my childhood friend, Joe's, big brother. I've know him since I was 10 years old, back in Katonah, NY in the late 60's/early 70's (oh my god!). We were friends back then, although I was probably more of a pest then friend to Steve at the time. By the time I had graduated high school, Steve was far removed from my life. Our paths crossed many years later in Woodside, CA when we happened to meet again at "AYSO soccer Saturdays." It was fun seeing him occasionally with the twins. We would rehash "old times." Re-visit life in the country known to us as Katonah.
I'm saddend to read of Stephen's passing and wish his family all the best. Especially, my thoughts go out to Joe and Deidre, my high school buddies. And to Regis and Sean and Chrissy, too. And also to Joe Sr. I'm so sorry to read of Steve's passing and my prayers and good wishes go out to you all.
Love,
Fred Rosenberg
Dale McDonald
May 10, 2007
I met Stephen once, in the summer of '73 at the home of his father: He embodied all there is to love in this world--- Beauty and strength, intelligence and exhuberently boundless youth. I knew him not, but his father, well. I knew of Stephen, through his father's complex and open kindness. I am deeply sorry, Joe, for your loss:
Stephen hugs daughter Austen Rose pre-dance
May 8, 2007
Stephen celebrates his 50th with dear sibs
May 8, 2007
Stephen opens daughters' gift in full birthday regalia
May 8, 2007
Jeff Spear
May 7, 2007
Steve was the first person I ever met from New York. He has always personified the image that I have of New York- brawny and wildly irreverant. He was a fun loving guy with a grin on his face at all times during the 4 years I knew him at college. I enjoyed reading the other notes to bring me up to date on Steve's life. God Bless his family.
Tom Fath
May 7, 2007
My love and prayers go out to Stephen and his family.
and each other.
May 7, 2007
Family enjoys food.....
May 7, 2007
Stephen and Kathy cook.....
May 7, 2007
Ryan Breen
May 6, 2007
Love You Pa.
Ryshel
Walt Petersen
May 6, 2007
The Stephen I remember is a person that had a zest for life and adventure.
I saw him often over more than 20 years of our friendship...each time
was special.
Our last meeting was in August of 2006 he seemed happy with life and proud of his children and their accomplishments
I will miss him...he left us all too soon
Kathryn Muller
May 6, 2007
I did not fall in love with Stephen because of his looks, though I fully admit it was a pleasure to behold such a physically exquisite creature. His beauty was an initial deterrent, likely to carry the typical baggage and attitude. However, like fine fabric, Stephen wore his beauty comfortably and casually, without regard or conceit. He took no credit and expected no privilege.
I fell in love with the way Stephen looked at his children, the way his face would light up when one of them called or appeared. Stephen looked at his children as though they hung the moon, and to him they did – each one uniquely and exquisitely.
I fell in love with Stephen’s gentle eyes. He was a gentle soul, the gentlest man I have ever known. Stephen comforted me in a way no one else could, calming me wordlessly by enfolding me in his arms, rocking me, nuzzling and soothing with soft utterances.
I fell in love with Stephen because he understood me with little explanation. According to friends, we moved in concert in the kitchen. We huddled amid crowds ensconced in private conversations, intimate and animated. Someone close to me remarked that it was though I had finally found my own species, being innately understood for the first time. Stephen always found that description enormously humorous. When we were out by ourselves, the world around us often ceased to exist. When Stephen's children were with him, he allowed me to bask in their presence and feel part of a family when so far from my own.
Stephen made me laugh. We shared many silly sayings, jokes and stories, entertaining ourselves immensely, sometimes to the annoyance of those around us. Absurdity and laughter were part of our fabric, taking form in bad accents, stuffed Labradors, a hissing Anaconda and a donkey gone astray.
Stephen made me feel loved and special and cared for. In the mornings, he woke me by holding a warm coffee cup to my toe until I stirred to hear, "Wakie, wakie" or some reference my being a “sleep monster." His consideration was constant and continued during his illness, including gifts of surprise massage appointments as gestures of care and appreciation.
Stephen encouraged my voice and accomplishment. He commended me for speaking my mind or challenging him, encouraging me to do so earlier. Unlike many men, concerns were heard the first time, without defensiveness or dismissal. Pre-business-trip pep talks reminded me of my abilities and instructed me to “put a smile on [my] face and go do what [I] do so well.” I see that confidence and surety in voice and accomplishment in his girls.
Most of all, Stephen and I were good company. Time together was filling, easy, complete. He made my life rich and my heart whole. I will dearly miss Stephen’s loving and nourishing company.
Paula Stewart
May 6, 2007
I met Stephen only once at Kathy's when she had a get-together with the neighbors. He was truly delightful and made everyone feel at home.
I'm very sad.
Paula Stewart
Kaie Vandoorn
May 5, 2007
Stephen was a gift that graced my life with a warm smile, gracious heart and vibrant soul that he loved to share with others.
May his blessings reflect in the hearts of the people he leaves behind and that his love carries on through the lives of his children and his beloved Kathy who were as equally devoted to him.
Charles Tighe
May 4, 2007
So sorry for your loss. Steve was a great guy.
CharlieTighe, Kenyon, 1978
Dr. & Mrs. Bruce Muller
May 4, 2007
Our thoughts are with Stephen's children and with his and our own beloved Kathy who tirelessly and selflessly loved, cared for and advocated for him and his wishes over the past months.
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