William Joseph Breen

William “Bill” Joseph Breen of Cutchogue and Sarasota, Fla., died May 4 at his home in Cutchogue after losing his fight with cancer. He was 83.

Born August 26, 1929, in Mineola, he was the third child and oldest son of William and Elizabeth (Reilly) Breen. He was predeceased by his siblings Elizabeth, Eileen, Barbara and Michael. He is survived by his brothers Edward and Bernard.

Mr. Breen was married for 52 years to Eileen Koster Breen, who died in 2007. He is also survived by six married children, Daniel (Sally), William (Diane), John (Karen), Nancy (Steven) Hartmann, Kenneth (Patricia) and Kate (Barry) Grayson. He was very proud of his 21 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Mr. Breen served in the U.S. Navy from 1949 to 1953, with tours aboard USS Bataan and USS Oriskany, on which he was captain of the Barricade Crew. After the Navy, Bill worked as a sales representative selling plumbing specialties for Crest Good Company in Syosset.

In 1962 he started Best Plumbing Specialties, which, under his direction, has grown into one of the largest independently owned companies in its industry.

Bill was an avid golfer and a member of Wheatley Hills Country Club in East Williston, N.Y., North Fork County Club in Cutchogue and University Park Country Club in Sarasota, Fla.

Family received visitors May 5 and 6 at Coster-Heppner Funeral Home in Cutchogue. A Mass of Christian Burial was held May 7 at Our Lady of Ostrabrama Church, Cutchogue. Burial with military honors followed at Calverton National Cemetery.

Contributions in memory of Bill may be made to East End Hospice (www.eeh.org/don.html) or Our Lady of Mercy Regional School (www.olmregional.org)

This is a paid notice.