(04/10/12) Donald James Breig, 89, of Fort Myers, Florida, passed away on April 7th, 2012 after a brief illness.
He was born on December 14th, 1922 in Cranston, Rhode Island, the son of the late James Jacob and Josephine (Stapleton) Breig.
He graduated from Cranston High School and attended the Rhode Island School of Design. Donald served as an Armorer in the 8th Armored Division of the Army during World War II. He received the Bronze Star, a Purple Heart as well as multiple medals and campaign ribbons for his service in the European theater.
Don met the love of his life, Leonora P Clancy, in the summer of 1944 and later married on March 31st, 1951. His career as a Hub and Die Cutter in the jewelry industry led Don to work for both Speidel and Gorham Corporations in Providence, before leaving to open his own die cutting business in Pawtuxet, RI.
Throughout his life, Donald was truly a free spirit, continually pursuing new activities and adventures. He was an accomplished artist who eagerly engaged new mediums to express himself. Whether it was carving songbirds, sculpture, or oil painting, Don mastered each. His competitive spirit was easily seen in the activities he enjoyed. On the water, sailboat racing, in the bowling alley, or on the golf course, Don loved to compete and be the best he could.
Don and Lee lived for many years in Warwick, RI and raised their three sons, John, Robert, and David. Upon retirement, they summered in the home Don built in Sunapee, NH and wintered in Fort Myers, FL along the way creating many great lifelong friendships.
Donald is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Leonora of Fort Myers FL, sister Jean Arcand of Fort Myers, FL, son and daughter in-law John and Cathy Breig of Denver, CO, son and daughter in-law Robert and Valerie (Cunningham) Breig of Manchester, NH, and son and partner David Breig and Kimberley Cole of Greenfield, MN. In addition, he leaves behind nine grandchildren: Eryn, Trevor, Haley and Kory Breig, Theodore and Paula Breig, and Hannah, Tamara and Jacob Breig.
His funeral will be held on Friday, April 13, 2012 at 8:45 am from the HENAULT-GALLOGLY Funeral Home, 5 Eddy St.(at 1382 Main Street) West Warwick. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am in St. Paul Church, One St. Paul Place, Edgewood. Interment will follow with military honors in St. Ann Cemetery. Visiting hours Thursday 4-7 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions to The Wounded Warrior Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org in his memory would be appreciated. Information and condolences, please visit: www.henault-gallogly.com
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