Obituary of Matthew L. Breitenbach

SOUTH WESTERLO – Matthew Lionel Breitenbach passed away on Wednesday, October 23, 2013 at the Eddy Memorial Geriatric Center in Troy. Matt had a great sense of humor. He loved to talk and tell stories, and was quite the prankster. He was employed by the State of New York for 34 years, serving in both the Sales Tax and Health departments. Matt was active in the Boy Scouts for many years. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and was a member of the Order of the Arrow. He served as Scoutmaster of Troop 42 in Greenville for many years. He also coached the South Westerlo Little League and Babe Ruth teams, and was a member of the Westerlo Volunteer Fire Company. Matt became blind at age 35, but continued to work, achieving several promotions to the level of Supervisor. He was a lifelong lover of animals, especially his dogs and cats, and wild birds. His lawn was full of bird feeders. He spent many hours crafting suet baskets and would distribute these to the many kindergarten classes he visited. Matt also participated in Earth Day at Russell Sage College for many years. Matt is survived by his wife of 63 years, Antoinette “Ann” Reibaldi Breitenbach; sister, Louella Revette; son, Matthew and daughter-in-law Terry Breitenbach; daughter, Diane Therrien Smith and son-in-law Wayne Smith; four grandchildren, Mark Breitenbach, Mandy Breitenbach Theisen, Brenna Therrien Nolan and Janelle Therrien Bucci; six great-grandchildren, Miles and Dashiel Breitenbach, Max and Alexander Theisen, and Carmela and Cecilia Bucci; nieces, Nobalee Monkell and Nadine Benning; nephew, Wayne Therrien; and numerous cousins. Ann Breitenbach and her family would like to extend special thanks to the wonderful care-givers at the Eddy Memorial Geriatric Center, and to those who helped him at home. They made Matt comfortable, and helped to make all our lives easier. Calling hours will be Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at A.J. Cunningham Funeral Home, 4898 State Route 81, Greenville. Funeral Mass will be Saturday at 12 noon at St. John the Baptist Church, 4987 State Route 81, Greenville, followed by burial in Greenville Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Pet Connection, c/o Steve Caporizzo, 341 Northern Blvd., Albany, NY 12204. Light a candle at ajcunninghamfh.com.