Mel Breines' Obituary
Mel Breines passed peacefully on Sunday, June 2nd at the age of 88. A fighter throughout his life, he fought hard to recover after suffering complications from knee surgery.
Mel was a true, born and bred New Yorker. He attended Seward high school and then City College in Manhattan. After marrying his childhood sweetheart Blanche, they moved from Queens to Deer Park, Long Island. Mel attained his dream of a home in the suburbs, breeding and showing collies and owning his beloved red cars and Cadillacs. After raising their children Steven and Debra the family moved back to Brooklyn in the 1970s. Mel and Blanche eventually settled in Century Village in Pembroke Pines and for over 30 years took advantage of all that the retirement lifestyle offered. Mel loved swimming and was in the pool every day regardless of the weather. He and Blanche went dancing at least twice a week and attended all the shows the clubhouse offered. He especially enjoyed Latin dancing and was adopted by the Latino residents of his community as a champion for their rights. He had a larger than life personality, and was always the life of the party.
Mel was a star high school swimmer – the team captain. On a vacation to Lake George, swam over 3 miles across the lake and back with his brother Gil. He always made sure all the kids did their laps and became strong swimmers. Beloved in the neighborhood, Mel was the guy who was always there to help, even taking the local kids to the hospital whenever they injured themselves; he was also one of the founders and key supporters of the Deer Park Youth Center, and had dedicated his life to all his “kids.”
Mel began his career as a journeyman printer for Variety Magazine in NYC, and because of his leadership abilities, was quickly chosen to be the foreman of his shop. He was one of the last unionized linotype printers in the pre-computer era, and retired when his profession turned to computer programming. He was the person other people turned to for advice. He seemed to have all the answers and was “Always Right”. He will be a great lawyer in another life.
Uncle Mel is loved by his nephews Ron and Mitch; his nieces Stacey, Hinako and Siri; his grandnieces David, Marissa, Hana, Natania and Bhudsera, and sister-in-law Carol. He took every opportunity to spend time with them.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years Blanche, son Steven, daughter-in-law Renee’, grandchildren Lauren and Alexandra and is now joining Debi and Leah.
Mel loved his life, all he accomplished and experienced; he always said he lived a great life. Mel especially loved the memories with his many lifelong friends and family members which he was proud to tell all. He will receive the Viking Funeral he always wanted and be forever remembered, and greatly missed.
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Share a story where Mel's kindness touched your heart.
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