Obituary of Patrick J. Breheny

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Patrick Joseph Breheny, who peacefully passed away surrounded by his family on April 3, 2025 at the age of 80. 

Pat is survived by his loving and beloved wife Carole, his daughters, Jennifer and her husband Peter, Natalie and her husband Pete, and six grandchildren William, Caroline, James, Emma, Madeline and Andrew. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law, Donald and Joseph and his wife Cathy. Pat is predeceased by his parents, Mary and Patrick, Sr, his parents-in-law Jennie and Salvatore Aielli, his sister-in-law Mary Aielli and his brother-in-law Patrick Aielli. 

Pat was born in Jersey City, New Jersey to Mary and Patrick, Sr. His parents instilled in him a strong faith that stayed with Pat throughout his entire life.  His father was an immigrant from Ireland and Pat remained very close to his cherished Irish relatives. He attended St. Aloysius School, excelling in his studies and developing his passion for basketball.

In 1967, Pat met Carole on a ski trip and they married two years later. Their marriage of 55 years was a union marked by steady devotion, quiet strength and a deep religious faith.  They enjoyed hobbies and shared interests in theater, travel and sports, as well as spending time with their family and friends. Together they raised two daughters, Jennifer and Natalie, whose lives reflect his guidance and love. He was a steadfast father-in-law to Peter and Pete, who both emulated Pat’s devotion to family. One of his favorite roles was being Papa to his six loving grandchildren who were a tremendous source of pride and joy. Carole and Pat enjoyed visits to the beach with their children and grandchildren, family holidays filled with laughter and also quiet moments with each of their adored grandchildren. His love for family extended to his relatives in Ireland and the Aielli/Tomeo family. 

After a long, distinguished career at Exxon, Pat retired and devoted his time to volunteer work. A Colonel in the US Army, he continued to live by the ethos of leadership and service long after he hung up his uniform. In his retirement years, he became a trusted mentor to countless young applicants to West Point, offering not just advice but hope and an unwavering confidence in their potential. His influence extended beyond military circles as he remained deeply engaged with his alma mater, Seton Hall University, as an active alumnus and supporter. He also embraced his role as a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Pat’s legacy is not only etched in professional accomplishments and medals, but also in the lives he shaped - through quiet wisdom, strength and an enduring belief in faith, service and family.  He had a rare gift of making people feel seen and valued. Whether through a well-timed word of encouragement, a firm handshake, or a gentle story shared over coffee, he conveyed the simple yet powerful message: you matter. He was incredibly humble and gentle in the way he moved through this world and his example will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend the visitation for Pat to be held on Thursday, April 10, 2025 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison.

A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick’s R.C. Church, 41 Oliver Street, Chatham, NJ 07928.

Interment with military honors will be held after the Mass at St. Vincent’s Cemetery, Madison.

Charitable contributions may be made in Pat’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105