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DANIEL BREEN Obituary

Daniel Francis Breen Oct. 1, 1965 - March 10, 2010 Dan passed away suddenly at home of natural causes on March 10, 2010, leaving us all way too soon. Dan will be remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father, son, brother, nephew, friend, and coach. Dan was born in New Jersey to Betty and Jim Breen, and he remained extremely close to all his family and friends who still reside there. Dan moved to San Jose in 1982 and to San Rafael in 1994. Nothing was more important to Dan than family and in fact, he went so far as to choose his job to ensure that this could maximize his time with them. Dan married Jami, the love of his life and best friend, in 1993. He was the very proud father of his two sons, Danny and Sean, and nothing made him happier than to spend time with them. Dan was actively involved in his sons' lives and served as coach for their soccer and basketball teams and was on the board of the San Rafael Youth Soccer League. Dan was very involved with the Dads groups at Coleman and Davidson Schools and gave selflessly as a volunteer to both schools. All who knew Dan will remember him as an avid Boise State Football fan, always there to support his best friend and brother-in-law's team. In keeping with his love of sports, Dan was physically active everyday; he enjoyed running, mountain biking and hiking, and he successfully completed the San Francisco Marathon. Dan is survived by his beautiful wife Jami Gill Breen, two sons Danny and Sean, the joys of his life; his father Jim; his sister Lisa Breen Strickland and her husband Scott and daughter Amanda; sister Cathy Strausser and her husband Chris, and daughters Maeve and Sarah; his "west coast" uncle and aunt, David and Pam Poandl; mother- and father-in-law Betti-Lee and Jim Gill and brother- and sister-in-law Dan and Cris Gill and their children Ryan and Leanna and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. We ask you to join us in celebrating Dan's life at St. Raphael Church on Tuesday, March 16. The viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by a mass at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Heads Up Foundation 310 Nova Albion Way, San Rafael, CA 94903. http://www.srcs.org/headsup.

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Published by Marin Independent Journal on Mar. 16, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for DANIEL BREEN

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CJ, Steve and Katie Kory

April 11, 2010

Jami, Danny and Sean...Not a day has gone by this past month that I haven't thought of you and the tremendous loss you must now bear. Dan was a wonderful friend and neighbor. We know he was also a wonderful husband and father. We hope that the happy memories you have of your life together will help you get through this difficult time. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help. Love Always, CJ, Steve and Katie Kory

Randy and Tim Fry

March 27, 2010

Jami, Danny and Sean,
I did not know Dan but I have had the chance to meet Jami through the RCIA at St. Raphael's Church. From what I have heard from Jami and seen with my own eyes he was great man with an impecable reputation and was loved by all. The gang here at RCIA will continue to pray for your entire family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you always.

Bryan Flanagan

March 25, 2010

Jami & Breen family,

I have known Dan for over 15 years from his earlier sales career at DSI to helping him in joining Sirius during my tenure there in 2000-2001. He was an outstanding person and a pleasure to be associated with. I spoke with Dan very recently and was shocked to hear of this news. It just doesn't make sense - I am so sorry for your loss.

I wish you all God's peace and hope for the future that one day you will be reunited with Dan in a better place. I know many will miss him as a good friend and colleague.

Bryan J. Flanagan & Family

Dave Bruno

March 23, 2010

To my locker buddy and one of my best friends for 30+ years. By random chance I finally got out to the 'left' coast less than 2 weeks ago and got to meet your beautiful wife and great kids. You were, as always, gracious to a fault, had the same laugh I remember from 6th grade and still an honestly good guy. Dinner at your house that night will be a cherished memory for as long as I live. I'm saddened by your early departure but the legacy you've left behind will be one rarely equaled. Go in Peace, my brother. I send my heartfelt condolences to your wonderful family
DBs forever

Steve Stranzl

March 21, 2010

Jami,Sean, Danny, Kathy, Chris and all family - Dan was one of those people that shared such a positive outlook on life. We enjoyed his smile and personality in Chico and Boise. We are so sorry for your loss. Please know our prayers are with you.

Steve and Kristin Stranzl

March 21, 2010

Dear Breen Family,

We are neighbors up the street and whenever we drove by your house and Dan was outside, he always had a friendly smile and a cheerful wave. He made our neighborhood a friendly place. We are so sorry for your loss.

Monica Ertel and Tom Greenfield

March 19, 2010

Jami, We are so sorry for you loss. Our thoughts are with you and your children from across the miles. Kelli, David, Jack & Sam Lundberg (Australia)

Mark, Danielle, and Gabriel Hougard

March 19, 2010

Dear Jami, Sean, and Danny, we are so sorry and saddened to hear of your loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and we are here if you need us.
Love

March 19, 2010

Jami, Danny and Sean-

For the last 15 years I have loved Dan like a brother. He was my closest friend, someone I knew I can count on for absolutely anything, anytime. Dan showed us how to truly live life to the fullest. I want all of you to know that you can count on me now for absolutely anything, anytime.

Love Jon- San Rafael

March 19, 2010

Dear Jami, Danny and Sean,
Dan was a very special person. He certainly touched the lives of many of our students. He exemplified the importance of family. Jami, you and Dan reached out and cared for many people. We see those same qualities in your children, as they carry on with great composure even though they are grieving and missing their father. Dan was a jewel and the sparkle shines on with all of you.
Love,
Cathy and Richard Falco

March 18, 2010

To all family, extended family and friends - My sincere condolences at this time. I always remembered Danny with a big smile on his face at all times - I remember him from years back in Metuchen.
Jeannie Freis (originally Metuchen, NJ, now Superior, CO)

Albert Bassous

March 18, 2010

I am sorry to hear that Dan has left us so early.... I only know him from pick-up soccer games and basketball games that our children attend, but noticed his strong dedication to sports and family. My thoughts are with his family in these difficult times. Albert Bassous

Nat & Jean

March 17, 2010

Jami, Danny & Sean ~ It was an honor to call Dan a friend. He was the epitome of a GOOD man. He served this life well and left the 'bar' high so that we can aspire to be half the person he was. We will be here for you through the good times and the tough, holding your hands, filling your fridge, giving you hugs and whatever else we can do to let you know that you are loved. Peace be with you...

Pat & Dave Jones

March 17, 2010

To all of Danny's family, our deepest condolences... To us he was the boy next door, although, he lived around the corner in Princeton Jct. He was one of the neighborhood kids. Always had a smile on his face. Our prayers go to all of you.

Donalyn Hellar

March 17, 2010

Jami, Danny, Sean and family & friends,
We are so sorry for your tragic loss. We were fortunate to get to know Jami and Dan through our dear friends Natalie and Jon Reeves. Dan always had a smile on his face and would make you smile too.
We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Donalyn, Scott and Mason Hellar

March 17, 2010

Danny and their family lived next door to us in Novato in the 70's....our Mike and Danny played together as little boys...
We were so saddened to hear of his untimely death....our condolences to his dad and sisters and family.....John & Dianne Baczynski

Mickey McFadden

March 17, 2010

It is truly a tragedy that such a kind soul as Dan has left us. Dan showed kindness to me during a very tough period of my life. My prayers and thoughts will be with your family during this difficult time

Danielle Rossi

March 17, 2010

Jami, Danny and Sean,

I'm so sorry for your loss. I pray that all your wonderful memories together help you get through this most difficult time. You are an inspirational family and it was a lovely service for a great man who will be missed by many.

All our love,
Danielle rossi and family

March 16, 2010

Jami, Danny and Sean,

We are so sorry to hear about Dan. Our thoughts and many prayers are with you.
Becky, Michael and Johnny O'Connor

Mike Watenpaugh

March 16, 2010

Jami,Sean, Danny & Family,
Dan was an individual that made a positive impression the moment you met him. Always one with a smile, accompanied by words of support and encouragement. He shined most brightly in the company of Jami,Danny and Sean...or when talking about them.
Dan exemplifies one who always contributed to the community around him...what goes around, comes around...this community is here now for his family. With great condolences,
Mike

Nikki Contini

March 16, 2010

Jami and family, we are so very sorry to hear about Dan's passing. With much love and with heartfelt sympathy we offer our condolences.
Sincerely, The Contini Family

Susan Galbraith

March 16, 2010

I also met Dan while serving on jury duty last summer. I know he will be sorely missed by all who knew him - he was a kind and gentle man. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

Jenny Godnick

March 16, 2010

I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear about Danny. I'm one of his Jersey High School buddies who will miss him deeply. I'm so thankful I got to reconnect with him this past summer in Jersey. To his wife Jami, boys Danny and Sean, dad, Cathy and Lisa, my thoughts are with you. I will miss Danny.

March 16, 2010

Jami and family I'm so sorry to hear about Dan's passing, I went to School with him at Chico and was in the Fraternity TKE's,so many years ago,I remember him as a strong and kind young man, Your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I feel bad that I have not kept in touch with him and the others from school. Adam Thoman, Lakeport Ca.

March 16, 2010

Jami, Danny & Sean,
I, too, had the pleasure of getting to know "Book 'em" Dan while serving together on a jury last May/June. I have a couple photo's of Dan with the group playing, yes, poker while we waited for the trial to resume. My sense of Dan was that he was a man of few words, but when he spoke it really meant something. He also had a fun sense of humor and twinkle in his eye! As you know, we all really bonded during the experience. What a special guy.
Please know we are all thinking of you and send you our sincerest love and condolences.
Kate McInerny

Carolyn Robello

March 16, 2010

Jami and Boys,
I am sorry to hear about Dan's passing and your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Carolyn Robello
Francesca and Jessica Robello

Jose and Amanda

March 16, 2010

Jami, Danny and Sean,
We are so sorry for your loss. Dan was a great Man, Friend and Coach. He was funny too. We will miss him so much. Our thoughts are with you during this painful time. Our deepest sympathies to you.
Much love Jose, Amanda, Zeke and Chloe

Katie Lee

March 16, 2010

I am so sorry to read this. Dan used to be my manager at Houlihan's and it was always great to work with him. I am stunned. My deepest condolences to you Jami. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of his family and friends.

March 16, 2010

Jami, Sean, and Danny, we were so sorry to hear of Dan's passing. He was an amazing man, an example for all to follow. You will be in our prayers.
Jill, Mike, Madison, James, and Philip Keck (San Rafael, CA)

Laura Gore

March 16, 2010

Jami and family, i am so sorry to hear such sad news. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and the boys.
Laura Redding Gore

Laurie Davis

March 16, 2010

I met Dan while serving on jury duty last summer. He was such a nice person, and contributed a great deal to making our civic service a pleasure. It really is a shock to hear this news. Members of our group still keep in touch with each other and that is how I heard about Dan. My deepest sympathies to his immediate and extended family members. I think Dan was one of those people that really made a difference in other people's lives, even for those of us who knew him only briefly.

Frank Capron

March 16, 2010

Thoughts and Prayers from the Capron family. We love you Dan!

Natu Tuatagaloa

March 16, 2010

Jami, Danny, Sean and all the Breen / Gill Clan - Our thoughts, prayers and support are with all of you. Dan was a Great Husband, Father, Friend, Co-Worker, Coach & Mentor. He lived the "Family First" way and set an incredible example of a "Team Player"!
Dan made us better people.
All Our Love! "Slainte!"
Judy, Natu, Tianna, Malia & McKenna Tuatagaloa

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