Frank Breen Credit: Courtesy

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.

30 replies on “Obituary: Frank E. Breen, 1941-2025”

  4. 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.

  5. 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…

  6. 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❤️

  7. 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 🙏🙏🙏.

    1. 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.

  8. 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.

  11. 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!

  12. 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

  13. 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.

  15. 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.

  16. 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.

  17. 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.

  18. 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

  19. 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 🙁

  20. 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!

  21. Frank was such a good soul! I only knew Frank from our overlapping time at The Edge Fitness, but during those 11 years we enjoyed each other’s company and banter. He always had a welcoming countenance and a positive word to share about life, motorcycles, adventures, and family.

    R.I.P. my friend!
    B Foust

  22. Frank was a fine gentleman. I’ll always remember playing drums in his living room with friends — what a joyful time that was! Every time I drove by his house and saw those pigs, it brought a smile to my face. You will be deeply missed by many, Frank. Thank you for your kind heart and the happiness you gave to others.

  23. I was so devastated by hearing of your passing. You have been in my life for 35 years starting when I was in Alanon in 1990 but hanging out with you and the rest of the gang on Friday and Saturday nights at Day One. I was definitely in the wrong room and because of you, it became so clear! Thanks for the bike rides to the Islands on Wednesday nights and your genuine love of life. R.I P. my beloved friend

  24. He touched so may people in his life , including mine. Thanks Frank for being there showing us the way things should be !

  25. Hello Frank
    Sharon told me about your passing, so sorry to hear this sad news my friend. I read through your messages and how cool are they you touch the life of many people including myself and I’m GRATEFUL that we were friends and I hope you are resting. Thank you for loving the people around you. Tony Ducharme

  26. Fkanky! I will mis you, Our laughs together, Our story telling, Your wisdom, charisma, kindness, support and inspiration you bring at every conversation. See you again on the other side wearing your Moxy hat buddy.

  27. This guy!!! I don’t think we even know all the lives he touched or all the hearts he gladdened. His humility, warmth, humor (often directed towards himself) have been a source of connection in my life for over 30 years. He was a giver of life and his legacy will continue long after his exit from this dimension. Blessed be ….

  28. One of the best. Frank helped me start on my journey, and crossing paths regularly at The Edge over the years has always been a part of my program. Always something fun and relevant to chat about. And never without an affirming twinkle.

    I’ll miss him – I already do…

  29. I just can’t believe I won’t be able to pick up the phone and speak to you. Thank you so much for every laugh and every tear. Thank you for the wonderful father you were to our son. Thank you, Donna, for making him happy!

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