John Breen

1933 - 2022

John Breen
January 28, 1933 - October 3, 2022
Hilton Head Island, South Carolina - HILTON HEAD – John Edward Breen, Jr, (commonly known as Jack), 89, died on October 3rd, at The Pines at Hilton Head. He was born January 28, 1933 in Bronx, NY, the son of John Edward Sr., and Catherine Bernadette (Howe) Breen.
As a child Jack lived in Lincoln Park in Yonkers, NY, and attended St. Dennis Elementary School, and graduated from Mount Saint Michael Academy H.S. and attended Manhattan College of Civil Engineering. Jack was a 50-year member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 14-14B. He was also associated with Breen Excavation, Construction and Equipment Rental @1914. He worked in New York City for most of his career, working on buildings as large as the World Trade Center after the first bombing attempt in 1993. He married his childhood sweetheart, Virginia Gallagher, and they settled in Chappaqua, NY, where they raised their children. They celebrated 66 years of marriage in June. Jack was a Fourth Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Lawrence (Larry). Surviving in addition to his wife Virginia are his daughter, Cathy Breen Austermann and his Granddaughter, Haley Austermann of Newtown, CT, a son, Dennis Breen of Mount Kisco, NY, and a sister, Phyllis Kuhlman of Port Charlotte, FL; and many nieces and nephews.
Jack's home was his castle, but his passion was sailing. Jack and his wife spent many days sailing on Long Island Sound with family and friends when they lived in New York. Jack and Virginia moved to Hilton Head in 1996. In 1997, they joined the Board of the Newcomers club and made wonderful friendships that they still have today. Jack looked forward to his weekly lunches with the ROMEO's (Retired Old Men Eating Out), through the Knights of Columbus and enjoyed the camaraderie of this group. He was so sorry when he had to give that up.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00am on October 20, 2022 at St. Francis by the Sea Catholic Church, 45 Beach City Road, Hilton Head. In lieu of flowers, please make gifts in his memory to GHC Hospice, 65 Schinger Ave., Unit 103, Ridgeland, SC 29936 (www.ghchospice.com) www.Keithfuneral.com