STAMFORD—Reverend James E. Breen passed away on Saturday, August 17, 2024. He was 98 years of age.
James Edward Breen was a native of New York City and was born on June 6, 1926, in the Bronx to James and Mary O’Hara Breen. Father Breen was a graduate of both NYU with a master’s degree in physical education and Manhattan College with a master’s degree in theology.
In his early days of discernment in 1943, he was accepted into “The Brothers of the Christian Schools,” where he served as Brother James Breen. As a newly formed religious brother, he served and taught at numerous elementary and high schools throughout New York, including Immaculate Conception, Bronx; Holy Name and Cardinal Spellman High School, New York; and LaSalle School in Albany, to name just a few. It was during his time as a Brother that he received his call to the priesthood. In June of 1979, his Provincial stated in his recommendation to the Diocese of Bridgeport, “I recommend him highly for the priesthood. I know he will be a devoted and holy priest.”
He completed his theological studies at Maryknoll Seminary, Maryknoll, New York. Father Breen was ordained on December 6, 1980, by Bishop Walter W. Curtis at St. Augustine Cathedral. His first assignment was as Associate Pastor of St. Joseph Parish in South Norwalk. Afterwards, he had additional assignments to the Cathedral of St. Augustine, Bridgeport; St. Lawrence Parish, Shelton; St. Mary Parish, Stamford; St. Gregory the Great Parish, Danbury; and Our Lady of Fatima, Wilton up until his retirement in July 2001.
Father Breen’s body will be received on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at Saint Bridget of Ireland Church, 278 Strawberry Hill Road, Stamford at 9:30 am and lie in repose until 10:30 am. Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am by Monsignor Robert Kinnally. Monsignor William Scheyd will be the homilist. Clergy are asked to bring diocesan vestments.
Condolences can be sent to Craig and Lynn Clausen, 67 Boston Post Road, Townhouse 12, Madison, CT 06443. Please pray for the repose of the soul of Father Breen and for the consolation of his family.
