Patrick Sinon Breen, 41, is remembered with immense love and admiration as the eldest son of the Breen family of Yonkers, New York. A sergeant in the Yonkers Police Department, Patrick was a beloved brother, a soon-to-be-wed partner in life, and a beaming uncle, friend, role model, and family figure.
Patrick is survived by his fiancée and the love of his life, Melissa Lewis and her son Bendeguz, his parents, Yonkers City Councilman Mike Breen and Patty Breen; and his siblings and their families: Katie Breen, her husband Wayne Blodwell, and their son Brixey; Yonkers Sergeant Megan Bennett, her husband Yonkers Patrol Sergeant Neville Bennett, and their children Charlotte and Ronan; and Danny Breen and his fiancée Alison Madlinger.
Patrick was born August 19, 1983 at Lawrence Hospital in Bronxville, New York. He attended St. Joseph School in Bronxville for his early education and grew up as a member of the Church of St. Joseph parish and the tight-knit community around his family’s Longvale neighborhood. After graduating from Fordham Preparatory School in the Bronx in 2001, Patrick attended Le Moyne College in Syracuse, and graduated in 2005.
A dedicated and loyal public servant, Sergeant Breen proudly served 17 years as an officer of the Yonkers Police Department. He took great pride in serving his community and loved the camaraderie of the police department, forming lifelong friendships and a deep sense of kinship with his fellow officers.
After graduating from the Westchester County Police Academy in 2008, he was assigned to patrol in the 2nd Precinct. He was a field training officer and took great pride in helping new officers learn the job. Breen would later become a bicycle officer and steady “Post 22,” a reliable fixture on Yonkers’ famous McLean Avenue, where he served diligently and got to know all the local merchants.
Breen was promoted to the rank of sergeant in the fall of 2020 and most recently served the city’s 3rd Precinct. Just prior to his promotion, Sgt. Breen had been assigned to a prestigious Homeland Security-led El Dorado DEA Task Force. He was also elected and served as the Yonkers Police Captains, Lieutenants & Sergeants Association (CLS) union trustee for the 3rd Precinct. Prior to joining YPD, Patrick enlisted and graduated from the U.S. Border Patrol Academy.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Patrick left an inspiring example of a life well lived. His personal life revolved around his rich circle of family, friends, and valued colleagues, and sharing life’s simple (and greatest) joys with them. A lifelong Yonkers resident, he was devoted to his nearby family, including his parents, siblings, niece, nephews and extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins. Pat was unfailing when it came to showing up and lending both hands, going above and beyond again and again and without incentive or ask of praise. He showed up often without needing to be asked, a first responder by instinct and sheer generosity.
Outside of Yonkers, Pat lived for his other “home,” his pride-and-joy boat docked just across from the Breens’ house on Long Beach Island, New Jersey. Without a doubt, Pat’s happiest place was on the water, where all season long, he enthusiastically hosted friends and family for boat rides out to favorite spots like Polly’s Dock and Bird & Betty’s, High Island, or the Boatyard. “Captain Pat” loved to take care of his boat and treat guests-from groups of friends to his nieces and nephews-to a special day out, complete with carefree country hits and a cooler packed with cold ones.
Having spent all his summers (and more) in LBI, Pat was a dedicated and beloved member of the Brant Beach Yacht Club community. He grew up sailing there, a skill he taught to others, as a sailing instructor to the next generation of LBI sailors. Pat was also an avid fisherman, a joy that spoke to his love of the outdoors. As an adult, he successfully took up hunting and skiing, forging lasting relationships with mentors and friends.
Of all the things Pat loved however, there was nothing he was more proud of than his family. And there was nothing he cared about more than bringing Mel and Bendeguz into it. Pat and Mel attended Le Moyne College together and met there in 2001. He was thrilled to take on the role of “Step Pat” to Bendeguz. The couple split their time between Yonkers, LBI and Annapolis. Pat proposed February 12, 2024 and the couple planned to marry in September of 2025 at Brant Beach Yacht Club in LBI.
Pat was overjoyed to celebrate his siblings’ weddings, careers, and other life milestones. He was so excited to be standing next to Danny, as best man this June at his wedding to Allison. He came to be known fondly as “Uncle Pat,” his proudest title. He was an active and beloved presence in the lives of his niece, nephews and all of the doting kids in his life.
Family was even represented in his signature tattoos, which included an oversized Celtic cross and the Breen family crest. We know he is comforted to be in the company once again of his cherished late canine companion, Avery (a frequent co-pilot aboard his boat.)
Many of us will remember his warm smile and singular, jolly laugh, his humble, down-to-earth sensibility, and his fun-loving, welcoming spirit. Pat was kind, optimistic, and effortless to be around. We trust that Green Day, Sublime, and Blink 182 are playing for him to his heart’s content, along with live Yankees and Rangers games.
In the words of Pat’s father, Mike: Patrick brought immense joy and love into the lives of everyone who knew him, and he will be profoundly missed.
Patrick’s final days were bolstered by the support of Melissa, his family, friends and his brothers and sisters of the Yonkers Police Department. No one showed greater support than his devoted mother, Patty Breen who was by his side through everything these past weeks, displaying her unwavering strength and love for Patrick.]
In lieu of flowers please consider contributing to a charity in Patrick’s honor. St. Baldrick’s and SPCA of Westchester were two of his favorites.
