Obituary of Charles William Breen

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Charlie Breen announces the passing of their beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and brother, which occurred on Wednesday, July 26, 2017 at his residence. Born in Saint John on February 3, 1934, he was a son of the late John and Mary (Shannon) Breen. Charlie will be missed by his loving wife of 62 years, Audrey (McCaughan) Breen; His children, Beth "Bess" Estey (Steven), Chuck Breen (Michelle) and Patrick Breen (Jacqueline); cherished grandchildren, Chas, Kirsten, Joshua, Michael, Megan, Devin and Andrew; a great grandson, Logan; his siblings, Margaret, Ann, Judy, Gary (Michelle), Terry, Mark, Walter and Ronnie; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Charlie will also be missed by his brothers-in-law, Bill McCaughan (Lynne), Burt McCaughan (Christa), Pat McCaughan (Lois). Charlie will be missed by his special sister-in-law Helen Megarity (Skip). In addition to his parents, Charlie was predeceased by his siblings, Geraldine, Rosie and a baby sister Elaine, John, Patrick "Paddy" and Malcolm; as well as his best friend, Malcolm Campbell. Charlie retired as the Chief of Police for the Saint John Police Department in 1988, a career that was very important to him. He was a kind, honest and fair man who made friends easily and took the time to get to know everyone he met. He was a gifted athlete, playing fastball for the Saint John Alpines and made it into the Saint John Sports Hall of Fame. He loved jogging, walking and running and looked forward to his daily meetings with the "Two and a Juice" jogging club at Tim Hortons on Hilyard Street. He was a fan of boxing, and watched many matches with his sons, Chuck and Patrick as well as his son-in-law Steven. Charlie was also an avid reader. He always had a book in his hands, and never met a book he didn’t like. He had a reading club with his Brother-in-law, Skip McGarity and they often would trade books and recommend a good read to each other. Charlie was a woodsman who enjoyed being in nature, hunting and fishing. Resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (634-7424) with visiting on Monday, July 31, 2017 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm. A Funeral Liturgy will be celebrated on Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at 12:00 pm from Brenan’s Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will take place at Greenwood Cemetery. For those who wish, remembrances may be made to the Canadian Neuropathy Association (Nonprofit organization - not a registered charity), Canadian Cancer Society or any charity of the donor’s choice.