GOSHEN — William “Bill” Breen Jr., 65, of Goshen, passed on July 18, 2024, in the comfort of his home, leaving behind a legacy of boundless love and kindness. Bill was born Oct. 14, 1958, in Great Barrington. He is survived by his parents, William Breen Sr. of Southfield, Massachusetts, and Mary Curtis Logerwell, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida. He also leaves behind his sister, Lynda Breen Turow, of Palm Harbor, Florida, and brother, Richard Campeglio Jr. of Great Barrington, Massachusetts. He also leaves his nephews, Cory List of Largo, Florida, and Jameson Green, of Williston, Florida, and his nieces Kelsey List, of Williston, Florida, and Cassie Campeglio, of Great Barrington, Massachusetts. He also leaves several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Billy graduated in 1976 from Oliver Wolcott Technical School in Torrington, where he studied drafting. Following his graduation, he joined the US Army, where he was stationed for three years in Hawaii.
He was a dedicated veteran and member of the Lamson-O’Donnell American Legion Post #46 in Goshen.He not only flew the American Flag at his home; but he proudly carried the flag as he marched in many local parades, his picture often being featured in newspapers across the state. With the legion, he helped decorate veterans’ graves with flags and flowers for Memorial Day. Through the American Legion he enjoyed his involvement with Eagle Scout projects and he especially loved the local grammar school annual celebrations for veterans day, in which he shared lunch and activities with the children.
A self-employed carpenter, Bill was known for being a perfectionist in his work. His many skills included remodeling, roofing, and finish carpentry. His desire to create beauty and functionality was evident in all his projects.
Bill also managed the properties of many estates in the tristate area. He took pride in the grounds and other particulars such as growing exotic roses.
For many years he was an active and competitive horseshoe pitcher. Bill served as past President of the Cornwall Horseshoe League and the Morris horseshoe league. He was an active member in the Canaan VFW league and was a member of the New England Horseshoe Pitchers Association, where he competed in many tournaments in New Hampshire, where he placed many times.
Bill also enjoyed participating in pool and dart leagues at Bogies, in Great Barrington.
Bill loved music, country and especially loved classic rock. He was an avid reader. His many hobbies over the years included softball, golf, fishing, kayaking and Scrabble where he was a fierce competitor. He had a great respect for nature and was interested in the native Indian spiritual culture. Bill also was a member of the Northwest Rod and Gun Club in Canaan.
Bill loved to laugh and his quick wit will be missed by all who knew him. Above all, his kindness was legendary. He was the first to offer a helping hand to a stranger or a friend and his generosity knew no boundaries. He was devoted to those he loved and deeply cherished by all who had the opportunity to know and love him.
A celebration of life will be held for Bill at Camp Cochipianee 291 Beach St, in Goshen 06756 on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you donate to The Lamson-O’Donnell American Legion Post #46 315 Bartholomew Hill Rd. Goshen, CT 06756.
Madeline Hartwell, left, visits Tom Hall’s vendor tent along the Harlem Valley Rail Trail during The Voice of Art’s Fine Art Festival in Millerton.Photo by Nathan Miller
