Obituary of Richard Charles Breitenbach Sr

Richard “Dick” Breitenbach died peacefully at home on June 1st, 2021 in Tucson Arizona at the age of 90 due to complications of Parkinson’s disease.

Richard was born on January 30, 1931 in St Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Monroe, New York. He grew up in a loving household and was very close to his family. He attended a private catholic all male school while growing up. During his childhood, he loved to build things. His favorite hobby was to build model airplanes. Richard even joined a model airplane club. This influenced his decision to join the United States Air Force. He served in the Korean War where he was a service system tech. He was a mechanic that worked on electronics including the B47 Stratojet Bomber. His love for airplanes carried out through his entire life. After the Air Force, he worked for IBM for 36 years as an engineer. After retirement, he made and sold furniture out of his large woodshop in his backyard. Richard, The Grand Knight, was involved in the Knights of Columbus for many years.

Richard married Gayle Darlene Parrish on January 17, 1953 in Thermopolis, Wyoming. They raised three sons before her death in 1992. Years later, he fell in love with his next-door neighbor Patricia. They have been happily married for 25 years. They had multiple dogs, loved to eat and travel, and spent lots of quality time with family and friends.

Richard is survived by his beloved wife Patricia Ann. He was a loving father of Richard Charles Jr. (Denise), Roger Allen (June), and Ronald Edward (Lourdes). Stepfather of Michelle Lee (Trini). Proud grandfather of Joshua (Elizabeth), Sera (David), Rachel, Thor, Rochelle, Melissa (Steven), Danette (Grant), Raymond, Riley, Hailey, and Hannah. Great grandfather of Gideon, William, Jason, and Jayde. A wonderful brother to Russel and Roy. Richard is preceded in death by his first wife, Gayle, and his parents, Roy and Alice. Richard will be fondly remembered by family and friends as a loving husband, wonderful father, and a kind gentle soul with a great sense of humor.

Richard’s humor and sweet nature will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

A memorial service is scheduled for 10:00 am on June 9th at St. Pius X Catholic Church located at 1800 N Camino Pío Décimo Tucson, AZ 85715. Arrangements by Adair Funeral Homes, Dodge Chapel.

Miss me, but let me go

When I come to the end of the road And the sun has set for me I want no rites in a gloom filled room Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little, but not for long And not with your head bowed low Remember the love that once we shared Miss me, but let me go.

For this is a journey we all must take And each must go alone. It's all part of the master plan A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick at heart Go to the friends we know. Laugh at all the things we used to do Miss me, but let me go.

-Christina Rossetti