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ROBERT BREEN Obituary
REV. ROBERT H.
Survived by Juliet K. Breen, sister-in-law; nephews, Owen J. Breen III (Isolina), Michael Breen (Lastenia), Christopher Breen (Ann); niece, Catherine M. Breen, along with numerous grandnieces and nephews. Pre-deceased in death by his brother, Owen J. Breen Jr. and his nephew, Robert Breen (Lucy).
Father Breen attended elemen-tary school at Holy Child Parish in Logan, and high school at LaSalle College High School at 20th and Olney. A true "Brother's Boy", he is in the LaSalle High School Hall of Fame. He was ordained a priest at St. Charles Seminary in 1957.
Father Breen was a teacher, coach, and mentor to countless students, parishioners and friends throughout his lifetime. A lover of athletics, you could always find him at the Palestra, Temple Stadium, the Vet, and on the golf course. He coached golf at Cardinal Dougherty High School and LaSalle University. He served as the chaplain of the Temple football team in the 1960's, the LaSalle University basketball team in the 70's, 80's, and 90's, the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1970's, the Markward Club and many other sports teams and organizations.
Reverend clergy, religious, relatives and friends are invited to share in Father Breen's Life Celebration Wed. eve, from 6 to 8 P.M., at JOHN F. GIVNISH OF ACADEMY RD., 10975 Academy Rd., Phila. PA 19154. Transferral and Reception of Father Breen's body will be Thursday morning, 9 A.M., followed by Viewing until 10:45 A.M., and Funeral Mass, 11 A.M., at St. Andrew the Apostle Church, 3500 School Lane, Drexel Hill PA 19026.
To share your fondest memory of Fr. Breen visit
www.lifecelebration.com
1-800-GIVNISH
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Memories and Condolences
for ROBERT BREEN
Sponsored by John F Givnish Funeral Home - Academy Rd.
Joan and Glenn Coats
December 3, 2023
Father Breen was a wonderful pastor who we will remember as a friend and religious leader.
March 22, 2020
Fr Breen was my English teacher and encouraged my reading authors who spent time at sea including Joseph Conrad, Jack Kerouac and others. He led me to work in the US Merchant Marine as a seaman; service as a US Navy Vietnam volunteer, and then a career as a peace worker and professor in Ireland. I am still a professor at East Carolina University and live part of the year in Ireland at my Kerry Wild Atlantic Way cottage. Thank you Father Breen!
Prof. Jim McKernan, CDHS Class of 1963
B.Sc. Ed (Temple); MA Hons. (The National U of Ireland, Galway); DPhil, Ulster University; Ex-King Distinguished Professor, East Carolina University; Fulbright Scholar, Harvard University.
John Keane
January 6, 2019
Whenever I am asked who was the teacher who had the most influence on you Father Breen was the man. I had him in Homeroom Freshman year and I learned more about Everything there than most classes. He introduced us to Politics, English, Music, Sports, History etc, and this was Homeroom. He was my Senior English teacher and took five of us to meet William Buckley. Not that I agreed with what Buckley said, but he sure did have a way with words.
I had an opprtunity a few years ago to write him and tell him how much I appreciated all he taught me. I mentioned Buckley and he said that was the only time he met him in person and he introduced us to Buckley. He was very gracious. The world has lost a scholar, and unbelievable teacher.
CWO4 THOMAS MC LAUGHLIN USCG RET
September 6, 2018
Fr. Breen was an great Priest and Person. Always upbeat and personable. I have know him since I was a student in the 7th Grade at Holy Child before he was ordained.I had the High privilge and distinct Honor to be part of the choir three at is First Mass, May,1957. As a former Merchant Mariner, after college. We would talk about the Merchant Service and had great fondness for the Naval Services. USMM,USN,USCG.
"Requiescat in Pace"
Sam Jones
August 12, 2018
Bagel. Tell John Truax hello, and tee it up with the Lord!
Whitey Rigsby
August 12, 2018
Father Breen guided me through the conversion process in 1977 and then celebrated my wedding Mass in 1979. Two of the most important days of my life and Bagel was at my side. Rest In Peace my good friend. Rest In Peace.
Luis Ocasio
August 9, 2018
Fr Breen was a terrific U.S. Government teacher very caring, had a passion for history, government topics, witty("It's Christmas card time" when he handed out failure warnings). Told us to have a healthy distrust of the press. Condolences to his family. Vaya con Dios Padre, Luis Ocasio Philadelphia, PA
Patrick McFarland
August 9, 2018
There are few words that even come close to adequately describing the impact Father 'Bagel' Breen has had on our world. He will be missed, but more importantly, he will be remembered for his kindness to everyone.
A14 Cobra Member
August 9, 2018
Fr. Breen was my homeroom monitor at CD in 1968. I have always had the utmost respect for him. I'll miss him. May he rest in peace.
Anne Haughton
August 9, 2018
My husband Jim and Bob were camp counselers at Gwynedd Mercy Day Camp in the "50's". Jim was a college student and Bob was a seminarian, both from Holy Child parish in Logan. Also, both were sport fanatics. Thru the years their friendship grew in different directions. Bob was ordained and called Fathbraer Breen and Jim married and became a father of six. They may not have seen each other regularly but when they did, their conversation seemed to take up where it left off... sports, golf, etc. When Jim was sick, Fr. Breen brought the St. Anne rellick to our home, with St.Anne's oil, after some prayers, a cigar was celebrated. Rest in peace.
Anne Haughton
Donald Tuffner
August 8, 2018
Cardinal Dougherty-Class of "64", Fr. Breen's English Class. Wrote in my senior yearbook,"Don-every good wish and blessing. Keep your humor!" He definitely brought it out with his style of teaching. He was one of the best. Rest In Peace.
Donald F. Tuffner Downingtown, Pa.
Jack Kilroy
August 6, 2018
He was a good teacher and mentor. His unorthodox methods made one think and seek answers. He understood teenage boys and made them all better people, whether they were the smartest student in the class or maybe not the smartest. I'll be sure to play some golf and smoke a cigar in his memory. CDHS 1980
JOE ADAMS
August 6, 2018
No one would cut one of his classes because he made them fun and informative. He had a great sense of humor and I never saw him angry or irate.
Rest in peace Father from your 7th period time keeper
Robert Atwell
August 6, 2018
Rev. Breen will always be a true mentor. His approach to teaching was direct. Roscoe Zilch was the name given to slackers such as myself. He gave much attention to those that needed it. He would be proud to know that because of his pursuit of education and his strong faith, this slacker has worked in the Catholic Cemeteries since graduating in 1977. May you Rest In Peace . One day we will meet again on Shunk Street . RJA
Many Years Since Dougherty !
John Reing
August 5, 2018
Thanks Fr Breen for giving me (all of us) a solid foundation in our obligations and benefits of citizenship.
You've always been a part of my life for your kindness and mentoring. We will meet again Father.
James Mcshane
August 5, 2018
I am so sorry to hear this. Father Breen was my golf coach. God bless this man. My condolences. Jim Mcshane
August 5, 2018
What a wonderful teacher, mentor, and credit to the Catholic Priesthood. Had him for World History in '65 @CDHS; told us to take the course book home and bring it back at the end of the year.
We were to bring the newspaper to class and discuss the real world issues that mattered then, i.e. where was Vietnam and why it would impact our Country and our future.
God bless you father; God blessed his students with him.
Martin Cleary
CDHS '65
Ronald Pleis
August 5, 2018
Thank you Father Breen for being such a caring person. I will always remember you because you treated us fairly....Ron Pleis 1956-1960
Edward Blue
August 5, 2018
It's been many years since I last saw you when I graduated in 1969,but you have intermittently have crossed my mind with many of the Faculty during those years...You were one Cool Priest and Person...Father Breen,thoughts are with your Family and may you RIP...
John Lamb
August 5, 2018
Fr. Breen RIP Thank you for all the help you gave me during high school. You were one of the best and are always remembered.
John Moszkowicz
August 5, 2018
Rest in Peace Father Breen
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