Nicholas John Breheny

Nicholas (Nick) Breheny, 78, of Schaumburg, IL died August 18, 2024. Nick was born in Keokuk, Iowa to John N. and Mary Helen (nee Breitenstein) Breheny.
Nick met his future wife Colleen Hynan at a co-ed college retreat. Upon returning from a tour of duty in Vietnam Nam, where he earned the rank of Chief Warrant Officer as a Huey helicopter pilot, the two were engaged and married on August 14, 1971 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Glenview, IL. They recently celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary.
Nick's aviation career began as a flight instructor, corporate pilot and a wonderful career with American Airlines, first as a Flight Engineer, First Officer and Captain. Within American Airlines, Nick became a Check Airman and volunteered in Pilot Recruitment, Flight Assist, and Advocate Program. Nick retired from American Airlines in October 2005. Nick served as a board member and a President of Silver Stripes, an organization of retired American Airline pilots based at O'Hare Airport.
Nick loved dogs and was a five-time puppy raiser volunteer for Canine Companions for Independence. He and his dog Kiowa were also a therapy dog team visiting patients at Northwest Community Hospital in Arlington Heights, IL.
Nick is survived by his wife Colleen, their daughter Suzanne Cooper (Duane), their son John (Michelle) and his five grandchildren Logan and Brynn Cooper and Caitlin, Claire and Nicholas Breheny. He is further survived by his sister Jean Breheny and various family members.
In lieu of flowers please donate to Canine Companions for Independence, North Central Training Center, 7480 New Albany-Condit Road, New Albany, Ohio 43054, www.canine.org/donate-now or a charity of your choice.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, August 22, 2024 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Ahlgrim and Son's Funeral Home, 330 W. Golf Road, Schaumburg. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, August 23, 2024 at 10:30 am at St. Marcelline Parish, 820 S. Springinsguth Rd., Schaumburg. Interment will be held privately.