Obituary of John F. Breedis

John F. Breedis, 88, resident of Trumbull, CT passed away with the comfort of his family by his side on July 26, 2023. Born on November 12, 1934 in New York City, he was the son of John R. and Lillian (Grasso) Breedis. He was predeceased in 2014 by his wife of 53 years, Edna (Dene) Baker Breedis.

Raised in the city of his birth, he attended Stuyvesant High School, continuing on to New York University where he was elected to Tau Beta Pi (an engineering honor society) and received the degree of Bachelor in Metallurgical Engineering. His education as a metallurgist continued at Yale University where he was conferred Masters and Doctorate degrees in 1957 and 1961, respectively. Dr. Breedis’ professional career was dedicated to research in metallurgical science in both industry and academia.  In his early career, he was an Associate Professor of Metallurgy and Materials Science at MIT where he taught, conducted research and published numerous peer-reviewed technical articles on his work. A career in business followed as a corporate-level technology advisor to senior management at AMF Incorporated.  From there, he joined Olin Corporation where he worked for over 25 years in alloy development, ultimately serving as manager of product development. He was awarded numerous United States Patents, as co-inventor with his group, on high performance copper aluminum alloys, their processing and uses. Several of these patented alloys were commercially marketed by Olin into significant proprietary products. Privately, Dr. Breedis was active in his church as vestry member and Warden, at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Bridgeport, CT and later as a parishioner at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Fairfield, CT. Dr. Breedis served on the Board of Trustees of the Trumbull Library. An avid reader, he also enjoyed theater, symphonic performances, travel, and bridge. He strived to be creative, be it through woodworking, cooking or his other hobbies. He was supremely proud of his family and their accomplishments.

Dr. Breedis is survived by daughter, Katherine E. Breedis in New York, NY; son John Baker Breedis, wife Karin and grandchildren, John Channing and Emily, residing in Wellesley, MA; and daughter Elizabeth Lillian Glynn, husband Sean and grandchildren, Conor and Ryan, in Trumbull, CT. He is also survived by several cousins, extended family, and special friends.

Relatives and friends may greet the family on Thursday, August 3, 2023 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull, CT. A Mass of Christian Burial celebrating John’s life will take place on Friday, August 4, 2023 at 10:00 AM at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 661 Old Post Road, Fairfield, CT.  There will be a private interment with immediate family at Nichols Village Cemetery, Trumbull, CT.