Philip J. Breno "P.J." passed away at his home under hospice care surrounded by his wife and daughters and went to his heavenly home on Tuesday November 1st. Phil was born on April 24, 1936 to Philip A. and Janet I. (Sleifer) Breno. He grew up in Oregon, Ohio and was a 1954 graduate of Clay High School. He was an outstanding athlete and was inducted into the Clay High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 1991. He was a letterman in football and track. He went on to play football at Defiance College. Surviving is his loving wife of 60 years, Annette S. (Decker) Breno. They have 3 daughters, Dr. Lynette S. (Kim) Powell, Tambra J. (William) Baskin - both of Oregon, OH and Natalie D. (Steven) Knowlton of Otsego, MI. Phil leaves behind a legacy of 10 grandchildren: Ashleigh (Scott) Powell Johnson, Alison (Joe) Powell Moore, Blake (Anna) Powell, and Alyssa Powell; Jacob Boris, Zachary (Sarah) Boris, and Tyler Boris; Colby (Matt) Cummerow Orr, Cort and Collin Cummerow. He has 7 great grandchildren: Declan and Esmond Johnson; Beckham Moore; Bennett, Kallen, and Emberlyn Boris; and Eliana Orr. Phil was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Darla Witt; brother, Dennis Breno; and grandson, Brandon Powell. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Phil enjoyed coaching PeeWee football at Coy Elementary School where he would bring along his daughters to watch from the sidelines and hold an occasional blocking dummy. He joined the Oregon Volunteer Fire Department #2 (now #42) at the age of 22. He was proudly pinned by his father, Chief Philip A. Breno, where he served for 13 years. Phil retired from Owens-Illinois after 31 years and became a partner in Conceptive Engineering. He took many fishing trips with his family and was an avid golfer (even having 2 holes-in-one). He played in the Best Ball Golf League for 35 years and was league champion 3 different times. Phil enjoyed spending time and an occasional breakfast with current and retired firefighters, playing euchre, and of late, spending his winters in Venice, Florida, with his wife. He always had time for his 10 grandchildren, attending countless sporting events, and practices, over the years. He was an awesome dad and grandfather and a great provider, always showing care and concern for his family and noted for his great sense of humor.
A Memorial Service will be at Heritage Christian Church, 1640 S. Coy Rd., Oregon at Noon on Saturday, November 5, 2016 with the family to receive guests one hour prior to service. The family wishes to thank Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Dr. Michael McNamara at the Cleveland Clinic, and the Oregon Fire Department for their care and concern for our dad and husband. Memorial contributions in Phil's name can be made to the Clay High School Athletic Hall of Fame or the Oregon Fire Department 5002 Seaman Rd. Oregon, Oh 43616 c/o Memorial Fund.