Howard Thomas Breen
April 13, 1934 ~ June 23, 2014
Howard Thomas Breen
Howard Thomas Breen, of Castle Rock, was born on April 13, 1934 in Mahwah, New Jersey. He was the third of three children born to Thomas Julian and Lillian Dorothy (Utz) Breen. After losing his mother at a young age he was raised by his stepmother Margaret May (Corter) Breen and had two stepbrothers. Howard graduated from Ramsey High School in 1951.
After High School he joined the United States Navy. He served on the U.S.S. Atoule submarine until he was honorably discharged.
Following the Navy he attended Fairleigh Dickinson University where he graduated Cum Laude with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering in 1962. His first job took him to California where he met Nanette, his wife of 49 years.
On August 15, 1964, he married Nanette Jeanne Shupp. After six years in California, they moved to Colorado where they made their home. They welcomed 2 daughters, Julie Lynn, of Franktown, CO born in 1968 and Jill Leigh, of Denver, CO born in 1970. They enjoyed traveling and camping together. During many weekends the family spent time attending and exhibiting at horse and dog shows.
Howard worked as a Software Engineer for over 30 years, and retired from Lockheed Martin where he worked with development teams on large projects. He was highly respected in his profession. After retirement he enjoyed golfing with friends as well as riding, carriage driving and breeding horses. He is pictured with his favorite horse Plie, who he trained to ride and drive. He obtained Plie when she was 10 days old, she is now 20 and lives at the family home in Castle Rock.
Howard has 3 grandchildren: Alyssa Nicole Forman (16), Brennen Thomas Forman (15) and Ava Faye Batmanglidj (1). He cherished spending time with them and loved going to places like the zoo.
Howard peacefully passed away on June 23, 2014, where he was surrounded by his loving family. Howard lived his life to the fullest. He will be remembered for being very kind and compassionate to all he knew. He always had a smile on his face. His greatest love was his family. He will be greatly missed!
He is survived by his wife, stepmother, sister, stepbrother, two daughters and three grandchildren.
Donations in his memory can be made to the Harmony Equine Center in Franktown, CO. http://support.ddfl.org/goto/Howard_Breen (direct link below)
Family and friends are encouraged to post thoughts, stories and photographs of Howard here on his website. (click appropriate tab above)
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Dear Nan,
We are sorry to hear of your loss. Howie was a dear person whom we enjoyed knowing.
You and your daughters are in our thoughts and prayers.
Freddi and Dan
Nan, Julie, Tim, Brennan and Alyssa, I feel blessed to have know this wonderful man. Always a smile on his face! One of the best grandparent supporters that Cherry Valley Elementary ever saw! Never missed a performance, field day or Colonial Day! Always took the time to visit with me! A true gentleman! I know that he will be missed by you all. My heart is with you all, thinking of you through this time. Love to you all! Kelly DeVol
Dear Forman family,
You were all obviously so blessed to have Howie in your lives as a husband, father, and grandfather. We were honored to have known and enjoyed his charming, kind personality as a friend and neighbor for many years. We will always remember him for his quiet, sweet demeanor and his spunkiness as well.
What a great combination of traits! We know he loved his horses and carriage riding, but he found his greatest joy in his loving family. You are all the most inspirational tribute to what a wonderful man he was and to his legacy. Peace be with you.