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.
You were a staple in my life as we worked together to help people get sober, build healthy relationships, and establish treatment plans for the court. I could rely on you to get the job done and put in the extra effort on the tough cases. The world is better because of you! Thank you!
This man is the best human being I have ever met. I am so very sad about his death. He would visit me at The Edge when I worked there, and we would talk about his motorcycle rides and my trips. He always wanted to know where I was heading next and wanted to talk about my dogs. I will truly miss you, Frank. You were such a kind amazing man 🙁
Sorry to hear this Frank you have helped so many people my brother was one of them I thank you dearly and will miss you
Sounds like he made a difference in his community ! I do not think I ever met him but I send my condolences to his family and loved ones. Our community was touched by his efforts to help others. I appreciate him.
Frank always made me smile when I saw him and feel like we were close friends even though we were acquaintances. A fun recollection was him – riding his motorcycle up College Street with music and exhaust booming toward the UVM Green.
Frank was one of my “old-school”friends in the fellowship, who I’ve become to know & respect over the decades. He always had something to say, (lol !) whether it was sobriety related and/or a wise-crack. His absence will be a significant loss for the entire sober community. Save me a seat at that big meeting in the sky, Frank.
R.I.P my friend.
Frank was that guy you always knew was in the room. A combination of St. Francis and PT Barnum, both kindness and hustle. We worked together at P&P and he did his best to keep me sane when the system became too much. We shared motorcycles, recovery, and many laughs together over the years. I will miss you brother, but always carry a little part of you along the way.
My core childhood memories involve Frank Breen. Moxie, Champ, the Burlington State Fair, Pigs, Emma Breen, Kathy, Shelly, Lisa, Phil, Josh, laughs, hugs, love; extended to my son Wilson when he arrived in 1997. His core memories as well. Cherished memories! Phil, I love you; you are always my first best friend! -Jenny
A wonderful man. We became friends years ago with our sobriety in common. He had a heart of gold and shared it so well. Safe journeys, Frank!