Walter F. Breen, III, 73

August 08, 2015

Walter F. Breen, III, 73, son of late Florence and Walter F Breen Jr, transitioned into spirit with peace and grace on Saturday August 8, 2015 surrounded by loving family. What an honorable, loving, and special soul he is.

Walter was born September 24, 1941 in Lancaster PA. He graduated from McCaskey in 1959 and immediately joined the US Navy expecting to see the world. Instead, to his disappointment, he was based in nearby Lakehurst, New Jersey. Upon discharge, he adventured in Europe, backpacking and touring castles in England, learning to play the bagpipes in Scotland, and settling in Germany where he worked at Volkswagen and learned to speak and write fluent German. He lived there for 13 years before returning to the States and blessing Lancaster County with his presence. He worked at Kerr Glass and retired from Armstrong and later from Progressive Design and Machine Co. as a metal machinist.

An avid nature enthusiast, Walter loved hunting, fishing, and spending time at his hunting camp in Bedford. At “the farm” he planted many fruit bearing trees/shrubs for the wildlife. He also loved auctions, tractors, and extra hot sauce. But most of all he cherished time with his family and many friends. He enchanted kids with his whimsical nature and gift of storytelling; adults with his sense of humor. Walter made us laugh. He taught us to make life fun, to love deeply, to slow down and enjoy the simple moments, and to look for treasures everywhere. He showed us that genetics doesn’t make a family, Love does. Along his journey, he touched many hearts.

Walter is survived by his loving wife Judy A. (Geiter) Breen; 3 step-children, Stacey Knosky (Rick), Steven (Lisa) and Chris Shank; 4 grandchildren, Emily and Olivia Brumgard, and Nathan and Collin “Bear” Shank; 3 sisters, Jane Strassle (Mark), Nancy Tout (Carl), and Suzanne Burkhardt; and 9 nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held 3 pm Sunday August 16, 2015 at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543, with Rev. Mark J. Thiboldeaux officiating. Walter’s family will receive friends from 2 to 3 pm at the funeral home on Sunday. Interment will be private. Kindly omit flowers and consider a memorial contribution to The Vista Foundation, 1021 Springboard Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, or plant a fruit bearing tree/shrub in Walter’s memory.