Adolph J. Breitenbach
Former longtime Aquebogue resident Adolph J. Breitenbach of Terrell, Texas, died May 19, 2014, at the age of 81.
He was born to Victoria (Tysz) and Adolf Breitenbach Sr. Sept. 8, 1932. After graduating from Riverhead High School in 1949, Adolph’s love of farming and entrepreneurship began. He bought and ran the original Aquebogue Vegetable Stand, now known as Wells Homestead and formerly Skelly’s. He later purchased the farm and house adjacent to the stand.
In the late 1960s, Adolph partnered with Jack Van de Wetering to form Breitenbach and Van de Wetering, growing annual plants with over an acre under glass. At the time, they were one of the largest growers in the Northeast. He founded Aqua Pools in the 1970s, specializing in the sales and installation of residential and commercial swimming pools.
In 1981, Adolph and his family moved to Texas, where he worked as an independent trucker until his retirement. Once retired, his love of the land brought him and his wife, Anna, to a little farm in Terrell. There he enjoyed spending time tending to his tractors, plants, flowers and animals.
Family and friends were important to Adolph, and he spent time talking with and visiting them. He was also a friend of Bill W. for 38 years, providing support and assistance to those in need.
Adolph leaves behind his beloved wife, Anna; his four children, Nancy (Wally) Binger of Aquebogue, Marcia and James (Cathy) of Riverhead, and Kerri Jean (Jay) Bierwagen of Houston, Texas; nine grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind a sister, Gloria “Bunny” Doroski, of Aquebogue and many other relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his former wives Justyne Zaborowski and Jean McCaffery.
A celebration of his life will take place Saturday, July 19, at 3 p.m. at Old Steeple Community Church in Aquebogue.
Memorial donations may be made to the Riverhead Community Awareness Program (CAP), 542 East Main St., Riverhead, NY 11901. CAP is a not-for-profit organization serving the area’s youth with a substance abuse prevention program.
This is a paid notice.
