Frank E. Breen passed away on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at the age of 84, following a battle with COPD, AFIB and CHF.
He was a substance abuse counselor for over 30 years and will be missed by his many clients and associates. Frank lived on Iby Street in South Burlington for over 30 years. Thanks to all our neighbors who knew him, especially “Little Leo.” The Edge Fitness Center kept him going, mind, body and soul. Frank really appreciated all the staff there. His AA family helped to maintain the man everybody loved. He couldn’t have done it without them, XO.
Thank you to Kathy at Community Health for not only being his nurse but also a very dear friend. Shout-out to the Roto crew — Frank loved you guys. He also loved his motorcycle, sports, racquetball, and going to Maine and sitting by the ocean. Thank you to Ogunquit Beach and the Neptune crew.
Frank leaves behind his partner of 28 years, Donna M. Kiley; son, Philip Breen (spouse Jennifer and children Madison and Will); daughter, Lisa Leary (spouse Terrance and children Desiree and Mikey); niece, Shelly Duval (spouse Brian); and great-nephew, Josh Baxter. Thanks, Josh, for all your help with Frank. Thank you Zan and Shawn Dusablon for keeping up on all the holiday traditions. To his grandchildren Mya Dusablon and Storm Dusablon, what great times and memories we had together. Thanks, Storm, for being our right-hand man around the house. Frank so looked forward to our Tuesday night dinners; he loved you to pieces.
Frank was predeceased by his parents, Philip and Emma Breen, and sister Kathleen Bissonnette.
On Saturday, October 25, 2025, at noon, we will celebrate Frank’s life at the Rotisserie, Williston Road in South Burlington. All are welcome.
This article appears in The Tech Issue • 2025.
Rest in peace, Frank…
What a nice guy.
Frank was a true rascal in the best sense of the word. He loved a good joke, good friends, good fun and was a good, good man. He will be missed by many.
Frank was my ISAP counselor 35 years ago at Burlington probation and parole. He helped me throughout my life with the recovery process. My last day with Frank was a couple months ago for lunch at the Rotisserie. I’m grateful that Frank was in my life.
I love you, my friend 🙏🙏🙏.
Hi Mike. I saw your response to Frank’s obit. Did you play baseball in the 80s in the Burlington South End Little league on the Tigers? Our son Seth was on your team, if you did.
See you’re an old friend of Frank’s; he and I both became Friends of Bill W over 40 years ago…
Be well.
Frank was such a nice man. He taught me to be “true to my path.” I met him when I worked at the Grand Union 40 years ago. We used to play trivia. He let my daughter and a few of her friends paint the PIG (that was a big deal). We painted it as a school bus to remind the neighbors to slow down for the school kids. He will be missed❤️
Frank has been a significant part of my life and recovery. He stepped in when my father passed and was a tremendous support through major milestones in my life. We played racquetball together for years. I will miss him. So grateful to have spoken with him recently. Time goes by too quickly…
I’m sorry to hear of Frank’s passing. I knew him for about 50 years, including a few years when he worked as a commercial real estate broker at our company (Coburn & Feeley) in the 80s. He and I did some drinking together (the Irish thirst), and we both joined AA at about the same time, over 40 years ago. Long term sobriety was great for both of us.
Terri and I pass on our condolences to our good friends Terrance (Rocky) and Lisa Leary; as well as Frank’s son Phil and the rest of the family.
Frank will be missed. He helped a lot of folks in recovery, and will be remembered for his good works.
Time to relax and smile, Frank. Rest easy now.
I knew Frank from The Edge. A classy guy in all respects. May he now rest in eternal peace.
Frank helped me on my journey. He will be missed. xo
What a wonderful man. He will be missed greatly. May he rest in peace. Dennis McMahon