Robert W Breen

Robert William Breen of Hartsdale, NY, passed away on September 16, 2025, at the age of 92. Bob was the loving husband of Virginia Karl Breen (Ginni) for 69 years; the devoted father of four children, Cathy Halloran (Terry), Mary (Cas Patrick, deceased), David (Kathy Haley) and Bob (Lucy Corsaro); the proud grandfather of six grandchildren, Coleen (Pat Sitzer), David (Tara Rana), Michael (Katie Steike), Nikki, Christopher and Jillian; and the great grandfather of two adorable one-year old great grandchildren, Abigail (Sitzer) and Lily. Bob was predeceased by his only brother, Richard, of Ameila Island, Florida.

Bob was the oldest son of Robert and Genevieve (Sheridan) Breen. He was born and raised in the Bronx where he graduated from Mount St. Michael High School and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Fordham University. Bob was an avid athlete in his youth. He loved playing baseball and basketball in school and local leagues. His love for the game of baseball endured well into adulthood.

At a wedding reception in 1954 that he arrived late for, and nearly didn’t attend, Bob was seated next to Ginni and their love story began as a matter of pure happenstance. Bob and Gini were married on October 6, 1956, setting up the first true test of their marriage as the NY Yankees and Brooklyn Dodgers played Game 3 of the World Series that same day.

Professionally, Bob’s attention to detail and organizational skills made him perfectly suited for a successful career as a corporate tax manager, but his weekends were devoted to family and faith. Barbecues with relatives and close friends and being the supportive parent at his children’s many school activities were the mainstays of Bob’s free time as a young father. When his children were grown and the demands of work a thing of the past, Bob was always happy for the opportunity to spend time with his six grandchildren, whom he adored.

Bob was committed to his Roman Catholic faith and he and Ginni joined Sacred Heart Church when they moved to Hartsdale in 1964. Bob and Ginni were actively supportive of the parish in a variety of ways throughout their marriage, and, in retirement, Bob particularly savored the camaraderie of his collection-counting volunteer group at the parish office.

In addition to the game of baseball, Bob enjoyed several hobbies and interests throughout his life. He loved horseracing and Saturday mornings were reserved for handicapping the races. After extensive analysis of the Daily Racing Form, Bob would negotiate the day’s picks with his dear friend, Bob Loomis (deceased), and the entire family knew not to disturb Bob at race time! Triple Crown race days were to be keenly observed! A homebody at heart, Ginni was nevertheless able to coax Bob into travelling after retirement and that became the perfect outlet for his photography hobby. Each trip (and family event) was meticulously documented in photo albums, leaving behind a precious gift of memories now preserved.

Throughout his life Bob was known for his sharp wit and, even after his disease advanced, his “one-liners” would bring laughter to those around him. Most of all, Bob will be remembered for his gentleness of spirit which, by the grace of God, remained intact to the end.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s memory to Little Sisters of the Poor, 2999 Shurz Avenue, Bronx, NY 10465 or 

https://littlesistersofthepoorbronx.org/donate/