Men's Golf | August 2, 2018

PHILADELPHIA – Father Robert H. Breen, a beloved figure in the Philadelphia community who served as the unofficial chaplain of Big Five basketball and as La Salle's head men's golf coach from 1984-88, passed away on Thursday at the age of 92.
 
"We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Father Breen," Director of Athletics Bill Bradshaw said. "He was a unique individual that made a great impact on everyone he met. He had a successful tenure as men's golf coach at La Salle, and will be missed."
 
A Philadelphia Diocesan priest who attended La Salle College High School and Merchant Marine Academy prior to entering the seminary, Breen taught and coached golf at Cardinal Dougherty from 1957-84. He was a fixture at La Salle men's basketball games during that period as team chaplain and additionally served as chaplain of Temple's football and basketball teams.
 
Upon taking the head coaching position at La Salle, Breen built the men's golf program into one of the Northeast region's best. The Explorers finished in the top half of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament in each of his four seasons, including a runner-up showing at the 1987 event.
 
Reverend clergy, religious, relatives and friends are invited to share in Father Breen's Life Celebration on Wednesday, August 8 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at John F. Givnish of Academy Rd., 10975 Academy Rd., Phila. PA 19154. Transferral and Reception of Father Breen's body will be Thursday, August 9 at 9:00 a.m., followed by viewing until 10:45 A.M., and Funeral Mass, 11 A.M., at St. Andrew the Apostle Church, 3500 School Lane, Drexel Hill PA 19026.