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JOSEPH BREEN Obituary
DR. JOSEPH FRANCIS BREEN (Age 75)
On Sunday, June 17, 2012 of Potomac, MD after a prolonged illness. Beloved husband of Joanne Manahan Breen for 48 years; father of Dr. Megan E. Breen, Patrick H. (Katie) Breen, Kathleen B. (Ken) Batchelor, Meredith A. Breen and Christine B. (Mike) Keffer; brother of Mary Helen Breen; also survived by 16 grandchildren. Relatives and friends may call at St. Elizabeth Church, 917 Montrose Road, Rockville, MD, on Friday, 5 to 8 p.m. where Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, June 23 at 10 a.m. Interment Gate of Heaven Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association, National Capital Area, 3701 Pender Dr., Suite 400, Fairfax, VA 22030 or Gonzaga College High School, 19 Eye Street NW, Washington, DC 20001.www.COLLINSFUNERALHOME.com
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Memories and Condolences
for JOSEPH BREEN
July 16, 2012
Dear Joanne and family, Starting again... lost the page while typing!? We received the news from Peter and Barbara and were saddened -- for you , the family, and the long struggle Joe endured. Our hearts go out to you all and we will remember Joe in our prayers. May you be comforted by the happy times and be surrounded by the love of your family.
John and Joan Manahan Morristown, NJ
Jill Berkman
June 28, 2012
To the Breen family, deepest condolences from me, and my family. I remember Dr. Breen as the most handsome, sweet, kind man in the neighborhood. He will always be "Megan's Dad" to me.
Ellen Epstein
June 26, 2012
I just want to echo the sentiments of my son, Jeremy, who may have been the longest running patient ever. Most people don't have a relationship with their oral surgeon for almost 7 years. Joe would bring Jeremy home from appointments, once took him to a baseball game, and generally treated him in a remarkable way. He was truly one-of-a-kind. We are forever grateful for his care and love.
Rose Fry
June 25, 2012
I'm so deeply sorry for your loss. I loved Blackie for the wonderful doctor and mischievous man that he was. Please accept my profound sympathies. --Rose
June 23, 2012
Dear Joanne, We just learned about Joe this evening. We are so sorry and sad that we were not at the service. Please accept our deepest sympathy for you and your family. Maureen Carnathan
June 23, 2012
Joann, You and your family will be in our players. Mimi & Bob
Cecilia Farrell
June 22, 2012
Dearest Joanne, My heart is with you at this time. John and I send our prayers and support.
Look at that jawline. It should say "brought to you by Dr. Breen"
Jeremy Epstein
June 21, 2012
I'm not even sure where to start on this one. When I was 12 years old, I started to lose the feeling on one side of my face. Three surgeries and 2 biopsies later, Joe Breen was the man who completely healed me from a large cell granuloma. That's just the tip of the iceberg, however.
Over repeated visits, we became friends, and he helped a 13-18 year old learn to cope with a life challenge and do it with a smile. He humored my curiosity, allowing me to develop my own X-ray films, and put up with my many shenanigans (including an audio recording play-by-play broadcast of the surgery...until the anesthesia took over).
He ALWAYS had a smile on his face and I got to the point that I actually enjoyed going to see the Oral Surgeon. Crazy, I know.
There's a special place in my heart and memory for Dr. Breen (as we call him) and I will be forever grateful for what he did and how he did it.
I know there are no words that can comfort you now, but know that he has made an impact in ways far beyond what you probably can imagine and there are people (like me) walking around today, healthy, because of his work and steady hand.
Kevin Parker
June 21, 2012
Dear Mrs. Breen: I want to express my condolences to you and to your family. Though we haven't met, I know your sister-in-law, Mary, from our work with the homeless at St. Matthews, and how fond she was of her brother.
I actually met your husband over 35 years ago -- he pulled my wisdom teeth in an emergency operation. He was very funny (which certainly helped in that situation), and when I mentioned that I had attended Gonzaga, it was like old home week. I remember that my Mom and sister came to pick me up at his office, and he said to me -- "there are two Irish-looking people out there -- I think that they're yours!" They were, and he introduced himself to my mother -- who was charmed.
I will keep you in my prayers -- Kevin J. Parker
Ursula Walsh
June 21, 2012
Joanne, It was good to see you at our reunion. I remember Joe as a Medical student--tha twas so long ago now, but seems like yesterday. I am sorry to hear of your loss which went on for such a long time. It is so hard. You and your family are in my heart and prayers.
Ursula
Janet and PJ Camp
June 21, 2012
Wishing the Breen family our deepest condolences.
Bill and Noel Dolan
June 21, 2012
We are so sorry for your family's loss. Please know that you are in our prayers.
June 21, 2012
Chrissy, Our deepest condolences to you and your family. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Tom and Jean Phillips
Denise
June 20, 2012
My condolences to you on the loss of your dear husband. Our loving heavenly Father knows your pain. In the bible book of James 1:27, we are told to look after widows during their trials. Please find comfort in knowing that God will continue to care for you during your time of need.
Preston Littleton
June 20, 2012
Know that we have Joe and the entire family in our thoughts and prayers.
With sympathy,
Pal & Pauline
June 20, 2012
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Love, Jenny & Kevin Cohane
K. C.
June 20, 2012
I offer my sincere condolences to all who loved and cared about Mr. Breen. He was loved by many and will be missed by all. May your fond memories or happier times help you to endure these difficult days. Our Heavenly Father knows that your pain runs deep. May He be your true source of comfort.
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