Very Reverend Donald P. Breier

Very Reverend Donald P. Breier

Fr. Breier was born on December 7, 1943, and died on August 3, 2022. He was the beloved son of the late Frank and Marcella Breier; brother of the late Mary Lou (McCloskey) Timko and Frank “Junie” E. Breier (Gloria); loving uncle to Darlene Joseph, Glenn Breier (Debbie) and the late Frank E. Breier; great uncle to Michelle Joseph, Christopher Joseph, Brandon Breier, and Brittny Breier; great, great uncle to Tyler Joseph and Jaxxon Joseph and loving cousin of Peggy Neely (Bruce), Arlene Peszko, Carol Lang, Joyce Devlin and many other relatives. We will miss him dearly. The family wishes to thank Fr. Dan Valentine for his long-time friendship and care of Fr. Breier for over 36 years. The family acknowledges the wonderful, compassionate care that Father received at Shadyside Hospital, who went “above and beyond.”

Fr. Breier served for 53 years in the Diocese of Pittsburgh. He was ordained on May 10, 1969 by John Cardinal Wright. His first assignment was at St. George Parish, and in 1974 he became the Diocesan Youth Director. In 1984 he was appointed pastor of St. Michael Parish in the Southside. From there he was assigned to St. Anne Parish in 1986 where he ministered for the next 17 years. In 2004 he was assigned as Pastor of St. Paul Cathedral where he was tasked with the restoration of the Cathedral church and organ. His last assignment was as Vice Rector and Director of Formation at St. Paul Seminary in 2013 where he served for one year until his retirement in 2014.

Fr. Breier also served in many other organizations over the years such as Family Hospice, the Fire Fighters Union (Local #1), as Chaplain for the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire, as an adjunct professor at Duquesne University and wrote and lectured on youth and cults.

Fr. Breier’s ministry was marked with genuine compassion for others, a unique and perhaps “home spun” practical wisdom, which was grounded in his love of Christ and the Church. He truly touched many lives. In the past several years he became close to the Sisters of St. Joseph, who brought a special gift of joy and peace to him. He was so grateful for the support and care he received throughout all the years, but especially in his last days. He would want all to know how blessed he was to have known and loved you in Christ.

He had a special love for St. Vincent Seminary where he was educated and maintained friendship and devotion to the monks and students. He would like to direct any contributions in his memory to St. Vincent Seminary, 300 Fraser Purchase Road, Latrobe, PA 15650. Friends will be received at John A. Freyvogel Sons, Inc. 4900 Centre Avenue at Devonshire Street (freyvogelfuneralhome@gmail.com) on Sunday August 7, 2022 from 1-6pm. Visitation will continue on Monday at St. Paul Cathedral 108 N. Dithridge Street from 9:00AM until 9:45 AM followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00AM.

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