Grover Breen
May 26, 2025
It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of Grover Carroll Breen. He departed this life peacefully on May 26, 2025 in Gainesville, Florida at the age of 96. Grover was born on December 25, 1928 in Queens, New York to John J. and Edna Breen. He was the
youngest of six children.
Grover lost his father at age 11, and was raised by his mother and siblings. He graduated from High School in 1946, where he excelled in swimming. In 1947, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and was assigned to the Security Police. He married the love of his life, Joan
Bottiglieri, on November 17, 1951 in Queens, New York. During his time in the Air Force, he and Joan had three daughters and two sons while residing in Bermuda, France, Libya, England, The Philippines, Turkey and Taiwan.
After he retired from the military in 1972 at the rank of Master Sergeant, Grover worked as a Security Officer for the US Postal Inspection Service in Texas, North Carolina and Florida. Tо achieve his life-long goal, he attended the University of North Florida. Subsequently earning a
Bachelor's Degree in Political Science when he was 49. He and Joan spent their retirement in Fleming Island, FL.
Grover was larger than life in both stature and personality. He loved to talk to everyone and was always interested in their story. He also captivated listeners with his own stories of growing up poor during The Depression in New York City and his time living around the world while serving in the Air Force. He had a passion for reading, history, golf, great food and wine and sharing all this with friends and family. He was a faithful Catholic all his life. He was devoted to his 'bride' of 62 years, a dedicated father, a wonderful grandfather, a proud greatgrandfather and a true gentleman. He will be missed by many but never forgotten and his stories will live on through his family.
Grover was preceded in death by his beloved wife Joan, son Patrick and grandchildren Frances and Joseph Paciencia, Jr.
Grover is survived by Diane Paciencia, Victoria Prestia (Nicholas), Michele Chalmers (Daniel),
and Christopher (Barbara), five grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
Crevasse's Simple Cremation is honored to serve the Breen family.
View current weather.
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Dear Diane, we are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Being one of his nine great-grandchildren, I'll always treasure the wonderful memories Great-Grandpa and I created together. It feels like just yesterday I was visiting him and my fabulous Great-Grandma at their beautiful home in Jacksonville. He taught me all those fun sitting games from their coffee table. I loved hearing his incredible stories about his life, his experiences, and the important lessons he wanted me to know. He even checked my palm and told me good things! I also remember peeking into his office, seeing all items that truly reflected who he was and everything he achieved. And getting to drive him around in that golf cart was something special!
I have so much love for him and my Great-Grandma. I will try and be as wonderful as he was and love like he loved great grandma. Thank you for your service, and thank you for being the most loving, caring, and respectful great-grandpa any great-grandchild could ever wish for.
I Love you, Great Grandpa! Tierra_Ward
We are so sorry for your loss Diane, Vicky, Michelle and Chris. Losing someone we care about is never easy our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. His memory will live on through all that had the pleasure of knowing him.
Rest in Peace Mr. Breen!