Obituary of Donald John Breen

Donald John Breen, at the age of 85 years, peacefully passed away January 1, 2026, at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital in Fredericton, NB. Born on January 14, 1940, in Saint John, NB, to Donald Lunney Breen and Mary Pearl Mabel Breen (nee Jeffries).

In 1958, Don graduated from St. Malachy’s High School and joined the Royal Canadian Air Force. Don proudly served for 20 years and had a UN tour in the Golan Heights. Don had postings in Clinton Ontario, Baldy Hughes, Chatham, Goose Bay, Shelburn, Edmonton, and Gagetown before he retired from the RCAF and went to work for Beaver Lumber in Fredericton, NB. In 1980, Don worked for the provincial government as a purchasing officer. He retired in 1995 but continued to work as a commissioner at 403 Squadron until 2015. Don was an avid runner and later transitioned to walking. In his youth, Don was a very good baseball player. He played 2nd base on teams in Saint John and later with the Air Force. He loved to read and could be found watching any sport on television. He also loved to travel, and Ireland was his favourite place, because he felt like he had come home.

Don is survived by his loving wife, of 64 years, Mary Elizabeth Breen (nee White); children, Sandra Woodbury (David), Richard Breen, Donnie Breen (Stam), and Kelly Breen (Ron); his grandchildren, Brett, John (Kait), Cory (Caitlin), Alison, Lauren, Riley, Marysa, and Georgina, and great grandchildren, Jacob, Wren, and Vaughan. He is also survived by his sister, Cookie, his brothers, Michael, Kevin, and Bernard, as well as a large extended family that will miss him.

He was predeceased by his father, Donald, his mother, Pearl, and his brother, David.

At this time, a celebration of Don’s life will be planned for the summer.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Dr. Everett Chalmers Hospital who provided excellent care to him. In lieu of flowers, Don would love donations to a charity of your choice.