Jeffrey Lynn Breighner

August 4, 2021

CHARLOTTE – Jeffrey L. Breighner, 76, passed away on Wednesday, August 4, 2021. He died at home, surrounded by family, in Pineville, NC. Born on March 20, 1945, Jeffrey was raised in Littlestown, PA, by his parents, Dora and Fred Breighner with his younger brother, Steve.

Jeff was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He will be remembered for his leadership, strength, loyalty, and wit.

Jeff was a graduate of the Littlestown High School Class of 1963 and the Shippensburg University Class of 1967. At Shippensburg, he competed in football and track, and was a member and President of the Sigma Pi fraternity.

After college, Jeff began a meaningful 35-year career as an educator. Starting in 1967, Jeff taught English and coached football at Spring Grove Area High School. Then, from 1979-2002, he worked for the West Shore School District as a principal, and district administrator. After retirement, Jeff enjoyed spending several years supervising student-teachers at local colleges.

Jeff was a dependable and generous husband and father. He and his wife, Merrill, were married for 43 years, and raised three children together. His favorite pastimes were fishing and hunting with friends and family at his hunting cabin and listening to New York Yankee’s baseball games on the radio. Jeff was also a long-time member of the Holy Infant Catholic Parish in York Haven, and a member of the Knights of Columbus - Father Gerrity Council.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Merrill; children, Karen Devore and her husband, Thomas of Charlotte, NC, Joseph Breighner and his wife, Jami of Etters, PA and Emily Kowalski and her husband, Michael of Brevard, NC; grandchildren, Jacob, Matthew, Samuel, Graham, Ada, and Mae. Jeff is also survived by his brother, Stephen Breighner and his wife, Luann of Littlestown, PA and his nieces and nephews, Greg, Christine, Amy, Tim and his great-nieces and great-nephews, Olivia, Abby, Bryce, and Colton. Jeff was predeceased by his infant grandchild, Michael whom he joins in eternal rest.

Jeff Breighner’s life will be celebrated at a funeral mass officiated by Fr. Joshua Voitus at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church at 1:30 PM on Saturday, August 14, 2021. The service will be livestreamed at https://www.facebook.com/stvdpcharlotte/live for those unable to attend in person. He will be interred at Forest Lawn East Cemetery, 3700 Forest Lawn Drive, Matthews, NC.

Memorials may be made in Jeff’s memory can be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 6828 Old Reid Road, Charlotte, NC 28210.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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Comments

  • Milton Joseph Levine

    Sad to learn of Jeff's passing....... after our planned "reunion" of sorts in Charlotte - March 2020. Yep, derailed due to Covid.
    Merrill and Karen, our sincere apologies for not knowing until today. However, as you know, we are only passing through and we will all be together some day.
    Every person we meet, in some way, becomes us. Jeff and Merrill were as solid and special as anyone I've ever met. God Bless and keep up your strength. Milt Levine

  • Elaine Neeves

    Condolences to all the family. Jeff was a friend and classmate. He was always kind, considerate, and a truly good person. Our world has lost a special person.

  • Mary Fuller Beazley

    I remember English class with Mr. Breighner. Vocabulary words and definitions in a row 6 or 7 feet off the floor, around the entire room. He challenged us to catch him making a grammatical error; were we to do that, we could have a free period. I actually did catch him one time, but didn't leave the room--I didn't want to miss anything important! God be with you in your time of loss.

  • Bob Lehr

    I am sorry to learn of Jeff's passing. He was bright, caring and always a lot of fun.

  • Dennis Wood

    Had the pleasure of playing for Coach Breighner back at Spring Grove class of 79. He was my favorite coach with me playing on the line. Have many stories about coach. Have often wondered. where he went. He was a great mentor to me and a lot of other Young gentlemen. Sorry for your loss and heavens gain.

  • Bob Lyter

    I am sorry to see another member of our pledge class leave the group. You will be missed,Jeff.

  • Joan Hull Strausbaugh

    My sympathy for your loss. Mr. Breighner (he will always be Mr. Breighner to me) was one of my ninth grade teachers at Spring Grove Sr High. I always enjoyed his classes. The funny thing was how much Mr. Breighner resembled my Dad…..I have a photo of the two, taken at my graduation. My Dad was a farmer & tool and die maker who seldom wore a suit, but dressed like that, the two looked like brothers. Imagine my embarrassment (teenagers have always been dramatic) when I answered a question in class, and called Mr. Breighner “Dad!” The whole class had a great laugh at my expense.
    So be assured, your husband/father/son/friend already has at least one friend, my Dad, on the other side. I hope happy memories give you strength.

  • Tim Sharretts

    OH, what a terrific guy Jeff was! Please accept my sincere sympathy on the loss of your husband & Dad. I worked with him when I was on West Shore School Board. He was always fair, hard working, & supportive. May happy memories fill your hearts.

  • Joseph A Gargiulo

    I am so soory to hear of Jeff's passing. I knew him while he and I were administrators in the West Shore School District and I always respected him for his assistance, guidance and careful and considered thought on anything we talked about from educational situations to general situatios. I had lost track of him over the years as we retired and moved on. I pray strength and love for his family and want them to know that he and they will be in my prayers.

  • Betsy Fuhrman

    Mr. Breighner was my English teacher at Spring Grove Sr. High. He was not only a great teacher, but a wonderful,caring and thoughtful person.I am sorry for the family’s loss. He will surely be missed . My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this difficult time.

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