Charles J. Breitenbach

Charles J. Breitenbach Jr., a long-time resident of Tarrytown, NY, went home to be with the Lord on November 27, 2024, he was 99 years old. Known to his family and friends as “Charlie”, he was the oldest son born to Charles and Ernestine Breitenbach on May 6, 1925 in New York, NY. Charlie is predeceased by his younger brother John. Charlie graduated from Washington Irving High School in 1944, then went off to serve in WWII and earned the rank of Technical Staff Sargent with the 64th Field Hospital unit in the European theater. During his service he received several medals including the Good Conduct Medal, European African Middle Eastern Campaign and the WWII Victory Medal. Charlie was honorably discharged on August 17, 1945. Charlie served his community as a Trustee and Highway Superintendent for Tarrytown and was involved with the construction of the Tappan Zee Bridge which opened December 14, 1955. He was a Board member of the Rotary Club in Tarrytown and President of the Kiwanis Club. Charlie also was a volunteer firemen with the Washington Engine Company. He had many hobbies that he enjoyed including furniture building, film and videography, painting, and was a general aviation pilot. Charlie developed a broad career of service that spanned decades. His family moved to Tarrytown in 1940. The family owned business, Breitenbach’s Bakery, served the community for almost 100 years. Upon closure of Breitenbach’s Bakery in the late 1970’s, Charlie continued his career as Executive Pastry Chef at Stouffer's Conference Center and later, Doral Arrowwood in Purchase, NY where he earned many culinary awards. Charlie had the honor of participating in making “The World’s Largest Chocolate Chip Cookie” and “1000 Foot Giant Strudel” in Peekskill, NY. Both were world record holders at the time. Charlie met the love of his life, Kathleen “Celine” Temple and was married on June 24, 1956, in St. Augustine’s Church in Ossining, NY. They were married 67 years until Celine’s passing in 2023. They have four children: Denise (Souse-Brian, deceased), Francine (Spouse-Raymond), Chuck (Spouse-Lynne) and Paul (Spouse-Christine). He is also survived by eleven Grandchildren: Kristen, Joseph, Raymond, Matthew, Stephen, Adam, Kyle, Tyler, Alex, Rory and Christopher and nine Great-Grandchildren: Victoria, Shane, Isabella, Gabriella, Francesca, Grace, Luke, Evelyn and Zack. Charlie was a caring family man, loving Father, Grandfather and Great-grandfather. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Charles J. Breitenbach

May 6, 1925 - November 27, 2024