Harold Breen

Harold R. Breen Jr. of West Chester, OH passed peacefully surrounded by family at Bethesda North Hospital on September 3, 2023, at the age of 80.  Harold suffered through a courageous battle with dementia as a result of viral encephalitis in 2017.  He is especially missed by his loving wife and best friend Michele (Shellie Hauer) Breen.  Harold loved to travel the country visiting lighthouses with Shellie (whom he called sweetie) and was a member of many lighthouse organizations.  He had a smile that would melt your heart and a sense of humor that defined him to the very end, even calling himself Howie.  In addition to lighthouses, Harold loved cooking, his mornings with friends at Panera coffee, watching old cowboy/westerns and cooking shows, collecting seashells on the beaches of Sanibel, and above all Shellie - his devoted wife of almost 36 years.

Harold was a graduate of Madeira High School.  He was a hard worker, often holding down 2 jobs at a time, in order to take care of his family.  He worked in various industries including Fibre Glass Evercoat, Lawson Milk Company, Foy-Johnson, Borden Chemical, U-Haul, Ryder, Hader Hardware, and most recently part time at the Loveland Ace Hardware, after retiring from the West Chester Ace Hardware in 2012.

Rest in peace, my love, until we meet again.  You will always have a special place in the hearts of those whose lives you have touched.

A special thank you to Compassus Hospice, whose empathy and heartfelt care made Harold more comfortable during his final journey.

Memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association www.alz.org or the Old Michigan City Lighthouse Museum www.mchistorical.org where Harold and Shellie spent many weekends over 18 years volunteering.

Per Harold’s request, services are private.