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John Breakfield Obituary
John T. Breakfield, Jr., 71, of Haddam, husband of the late Kathryn (Grigerek) Breakfield, died Monday, December 11, 2023, at Middlesex Hospital. He was born in, Gastonia, NC, son of the late John T. Breakfield, Sr. and Myrtle (Lynch) Breakfield. John was a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving with the US Marines Corps. His years of service left a profound impact for the rest of his days. Prior to his retirement, he worked for Tilcon. John is survived by his daughter, Kari Watson of Berlin; son, Brady Breakfield of Haddam; brother, Zane Breakfield; and half-sister, Betty Jane; grandchildren, William, Caitlin, Raeghan, Addison, Alexa, Jon, Brady, Russell, Bethany and Scott; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Kathryn, brothers, Mark, and Scott, and sisters, Dorothy, Linda, and Frances. John was an avid hunter and fisherman. He was a conversationalist, and always willing to lend a helping hand. He deeply enjoyed time with friends, but when asked his favorite times were with his grandchildren. His proudest moment was becoming "Poppy". By nature, he was selfless and his genuine concern for others led him to be surrogate father to many. His loss will be felt deeply by his family and friends. A graveside service with military honors will be held on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the State Veterans' Cemetery, Bow Lane, Middletown. To share memories or express condolences online, please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com .
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Breakfield
Sponsored by MiddletownPress.com.
Lyla McDaniel
April 20, 2024
John,
You were in my life from the day I was born. I looked up to you. Loved you. Adored you and thought you were so brave. You were my favorite. I have no early memories without you. I love you the same today. You and Kathy both shaped my life in oh so many ways. I will miss you and her until I see you both again.
I remember the time you and I thought it would be a good idea if I gave you the stitches your cut up ear needed. It was a bad idea. However, thinking about that crazy night I can only smile. As I always do about when I think of you. All my love my cousin until we see each other again. Lyla
Shannon Welburn
January 2, 2024
I’m not sure where to start. I’ve known both John and Kathy forever. Even after moving from Middletown to Durham/ Middlefield and even to Higganum we never lost touch. It didn’t matter how much time was between visits it was always like we had just seen each other. I am grateful for the time I spent with them and will miss them terribly!!! To Kari and Brady , I love you both and am here if you need me ❤❤❤
Don Miller
December 30, 2023
God speed to both John and Kathy. My kindest thoughts to Kari, Brady and family.
Don Miller
mark schultz
December 28, 2023
Just wanted to share on here how much Kathy & John were such a Big part of my life growing up! In 1966, I moved to Plantsville, where Kathy was the Best foster sister/sister that you would want to have in your corner as she was always there for me nurturing me with her sisterly advice and tough love when I needed it! She was always so much fun and caring, not just too me but it seemed like the whole world as she was a teacher, showing me how to give and take in our lives! It wasn't long after that a John Breakfield walked into my life (via Kathy) and allowed me to have the most amazing friend/blood-brother relationship that I've ever had with another human being! John took me everywhere, fishing, hunting, hiking, hitch-hiking, drag racing, partying, etc. but the most important thing about his relationship with me was the love and being a mentor to me that I truly needed at that time in my life! Thru John, I met most of his family and they were indeed so genuine! A lot of time has passed since those early times, but the strong foundation was the bedrock that is still there! Much Love, Light & Blessings to Kari, Brady, Zane and Fam......always xoxo
Carol Hanson
December 27, 2023
When we lost Kathy it was a great loss for me, but John and I continued phone calls which he always made me smile.. I will miss our talks John and must of all I will miss you. Hope you are with Kathy now.
Philip Bennett
December 26, 2023
John was an amazing person. I have many memories of Kathy, John and Mark S. as we were growing up in Southington. I am sorry for your loss. I hope Kathy and John are in a good place. He had a smile that I remember would light any place he was.
zane breakfield
December 26, 2023
Though you are gone John I will always have all the wonderful memories we made through the years. When we both wore younger men's clothes, weather it was during the time we spent hunting or fishing together or all the time we agreed and disagreed, through the good times and bad. We would always stand by each other side even when the chips were really down and seemed like the weight of the whole world was on one of are shoulders we knew in are heart that the other one would always be there no matter how long it took to lift it off. So John with these memories and many others an as long as I have you my heart you will never really begone your loving brother. Zane
Lylean Orlando
December 25, 2023
Sending my sincere condolences to you, Zane and all your family. Zane, we were childhood classmates in Durham. May God Bless you and all your family. Sincerely, Lylean Orlando Thomas
Rick Gaylord
December 24, 2023
I knew John because I used to visit (my friends) his kids Kari & Brady back in the 80's. John was very interesting and a man who sacrifice himself as a Marine. I remember one time, John made me eat frog legs for the first time. Every time I see it on a menu, I think back to the first time eating one. As John says it taste like chicken. I got to know a lot about John and what happened in Vietnam when I had to do a book report in high school. John gave me true facts about Vietnam and used his facts for my book report and named it "Our own Worst Enemy" which was ourselves. At that time is when I knew that he was lucky to be alive and what he had to endure during Vietnam. I always enjoyed his knowledge on everything. John was a very smart man and used to know the question/answers to Jeopardy. We always told him to get on that show, because he would win. I can say that I am blessed to have known an American Hero - John Breakfield.
Hannah madore
December 23, 2023
John, I always enjoyed our chats at the haddam transfer station, and of course i had to come see my buddy hambone and give him a cookie. You will be missed my friend, please say hi to hambone and give him a big kiss for me and dont for get the cookie!!! Fly high my friend, fly high. Thank you for your service!!❤
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