Gary Lee Breen, age 75, of Evanston, IL, formerly of Mickleton, NJ, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 8, 2022, from Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease.

Gary was known as the friendliest guy in the room. His warmth and kindness touched everyone he encountered. He was a hard-worker and a self-described “doer” who volunteered for everything. He coached sports for his two children, gave his time and energy to town events, including the Gibbstown Swim Club, where he was president of the board for six years, overseeing vast improvements to the club during his tenure. He was known throughout East Greenwich for his work on renovating the library and reviving East Greenwich Day and the Spring Parade.

Gary worked as a fiber optics splicer for Verizon for 37 years. He was born and raised in Denver, CO, where he graduated from Holy Family High School. He played football among other sports.

Prior to moving to the East Coast, Gary served in the United States Navy aboard the aircraft carrier The Ranger during the Vietnam War. His time in the service took him to the West Coast and parts of Asia, which he often spoke about fondly.

Gary, his wife, Susan, and their two children lived in Woodbury Heights, NJ, for a decade, followed by 29 years in Mickleton, NJ. The birth of their first grandchild brought them to Evanston, IL, five years ago.

Gary is survived by his beloved wife of 48-plus years, Susan Cousins Breen; son, Shawn Breen (Frances Martinez), of Lovingston, VA, and daughter, Kelly Breen Arrogante (Kevin) of Evanston, IL; and grandchildren, Grace and Mason Arrogante and Elijah and Ezequiel Solis Martinez.

He is also survived by siblings, David Breen of Tucson, AZ, Russel Breen (Elizabeth) of Union, NJ, Debra Breen (Elaine) of Rollinsville, CO, Daniel Breen of Denver CO, Teresa Breen Heck (Kenneth) of Des Moines, IA, and Douglas Breen of Ft. Worth, TX; nieces, Maggie Breen Melody (Matthew), Amber Breen Mack (Schuyler), Cassie Breen McCaw, Savannah Breen Molina (Cesar), and Taylor Breen Martin (Amani); and nephews, Darren Breen, Derek Breen, Devon Breen, and Justin Golden.

He was preceded in death by his father, Donald H. Breen; his mother, Beulah “Boots” Starner Breen; and his sisters, Donna Breen Palumbo and Patricia “Tridie” Breen.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, December 4, 2022, 11:30 a.m. at Rode’s Fireside Restaurant & Tavern, 533 Kings Hwy., Swedesboro (Woolwich Twp.), NJ, 08085.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lewy Body Dementia Association, 912 Killian Hill Road S.W., Lilburn, GA 30047 (lbda.org).

Funeral info:  847.673.6111 or habenfuneral.com to sign guestbook and to leave a condolence message.

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