Obituary of William Breen

William A. Breen, a retired Publications Manager for Lincoln Laboratory passed away from the effects of Parkinson’s disease on Thursday afternoon, November 9, 2017. He was 81 years old. Bill was born in Arlington, the son of the late Anthony and Mary Breen. He grew up in Arlington and was a 1954 graduate of Arlington High School. After high school , he went to work in the printing department of Lincoln Laboratory. He started as an apprentice printer and worked his way up to Publications Manager. Because of the company’s defense contracts, Bill managed highly classified materials as well as all of their printed literature. He retired after 47 years with Lincoln Laboratory. To help support his family, Bill also ran his own printing company, B n B Printing, out of his basement. He printed everything from wedding invitations, advertising material, paperwork, and any other printed material a customer might request. He would regularly work well after midnight. Being a small business owner, he often had his children lend a hand collating, folding and packaging any job for delivery . The added income helped with colleges, household improvements, and six daughter’s weddings. Bill and his wife Betty moved to Burlington in 1957 and he really became involved in the community. He coached youth baseball and softball for many years. He was very active in the Knights of Columbus where he also served as Grand Knight. He was always willing to lend a hand in any activity the Knights of Columbus were involved in: Bingo, Bowling, Tootsie Roll Drive, Children’s Christmas Parties, Free Throw Contest, Thanksgiving Breakfast, and any other charity or social event requiring assistance. He was more than happy to take on any task no matter how unglamorous it may have been in order to make any event successful. Bill and Betty were very active members of the Red Hot Squares Dancing Club. They had many years of fun dancing, socializing, attending weekend dance trips, and hosting clambakes. He also served as President of the Club for a number of years. He served as an Usher at St. Malachy’s Church for decades as well as a parishioner at St. Margaret’s Church. Sports were a favorite past time of his. A passionate Bruin’s fan for many years, he also enjoyed the Pats and Red Sox. Bill also enjoyed playing tennis and golf into his late 70’s. His leisure time was spent puttering around his home, working in his garden in the yard, and playing his organ. His Irish heritage was special to him – he listened to Irish music regularly and always appreciated a home made Irish bread. Bill’s family was the most important part of his life. He was a loving and devoted husband to his wife, Betty, for 61 years. They raised a family together, danced, travelled to Ireland and on cruises, and entertained at their home and pool. He would do anything for his children. He was always calm, supportive, encouraging, and had an unwavering love for each one of them. He could always get them to laugh and put a smile on their faces with his signature humor. . There was never a doubt of his love and concern for each one of them. He was “Pops” to his 17 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. He made an effort to be at all their activities, sports, school events, and celebrations. He was the proudest rather than loudest person in the stands, sidelines, and auditorium. His kindness, warmth, and compassion to others were qualities that made Bill so well loved by his family, friends, and neighbors. Bill was the beloved husband of Elizabeth “Betty” (Marobella) Loving father of Karen Moroney & her husband Mark of Medway, Bill of Burlington, Barbara O’Sullivan of FL, Sandy Mackey & her husband Paul of Arlington, Cathy Crannell & her husband Jon of Wilmington, Diane Murphy & her husband John of Burlington, and Donna Joyce & her husband Thomas of Burlington. Proud grandfather of Brian & Kevin Moroney, Bill Breen, Nicole Jalbert, Courtney Martek, D. J. O’Sullivan, Paul & Patrick Mackey, Elizabeth & Emily Crannell, John, Erin, Bridget, & Molly Murphy and Sheila, Kelly & Shannon Joyce. He was also survived by 5 great grand grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends. Bill was the brother of Mary Daley of Chelmsford and the late Charles Funeral from the Edward V Sullivan Funeral Home, 43 Winn St., BURLINGTON (Exit 34 off Rt. 128/95 Woburn side) on Monday, Nov. 13 at 9 a.m. Followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Margaret’s Church, 111 Winn St., Burlington at 10 a.m. Visiting hours Sunday from 2-5 p.m. Interment in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. In lieu of flowers memorials in Bill’s name may be made to Parkinson's Foundation, 200 SE 1st Street, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131 www.parkinson.org