Charles Frederick Breslin

Breslin, Charles Frederick, 85, passed away May 23, 2014. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Louise Bushmeyer Breslin, father, Frank H. Breslin, brother, Frank H. Breslin, Jr. and the love of his life, wife of 55 years, Jane Putnam Breslin. Charles was born in 1928 in Louisville, KY., and attended St. Xavier High School. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame in 1950. While at Notre Dame his mentors convinced him that he was destined to devote his life “to the mind” as a teacher and scholar. He worked in his father’s road construction and quarry business from 1951 to 1966, all the while reading widely in world literature and cultural history and taking graduate courses in the Humanities Division at U of L. A voracious reader and lover of books, he earned his master’s degree in humanities from U of L in 1961 and began teaching courses in humanities and philosophy. From 1967 to 1970, he served as chair of the Department of Philosophy. Over his career, Professor Breslin taught a great variety of courses, and he had an avid following of students who took every course he ever taught. They were dazzled by the genius of his spoken words and his extraordinary memory. He always remembered former students and aquaintences by name, the year they met and their circumstances at the time. He was also likely to discuss the subject of his recent reading and to engage his former students ( or dentist, doctor or favorite employees at Walgreens) leaving them astounded by his intellectual prowess, vigor and humor. After 35 years of commitment to the college of Arts and Sciences and its students, he was named Professor Emeritus in 2000. He led a quiet life after retirement, but his addiction to books and passion for ideas remained indefatigable. In 2009 Charles was inducted into U of L’s Hall of Honor. He is survived by his sister, Mary Lou Breslin, niece, Madge MacBeath Huecker (Joe), nephew, David H. Breslin (Jenny), nephew, James P. Breslin, niece, Karen Breslin, other extended family and many friends. Special thanks to his wonderful neighbors, special helpers from Elderserve, Dr.Mark Wheeler and the kind people from Caretenders. Private internment at Cave Hill Cemetery. An open house in his honor will be held on Sunday, June 8 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., 303 Chelsea Rd. Louisville, 40207. Donations can be made to the University of Notre Dame, Olmstead Parks or University of Louisville’s Library Fund. Owen Funeral home-Jeffersontown is in charge of arrangements