Walter E. Breitenbach

Lifelong Aquebogue resident Walter E. Breitenbach died Oct. 28 at his home. He was 77.

He was born Jan. 16, 1934, in Riverhead to Emil and Helena (Stakey) Breitenbach and graduated from Riverhead High School. He married Gladys Columbus on Oct. 8, 1955, and they resided in Aquebogue.

A farmer for many years, he was later associated with Half Hollow Nursery in Laurel. He also was the security guard at the Jamesport Community Center.

Mr. Breitenbach belonged to Christ Lutheran Church in East Moriches. Family members said he enjoyed gardening and tinkering around the home.

Predeceased by his wife on July 6, 2011, he is survived by his daughters, Sharon Tanzi of Mastic Beach, Michele Wells of Mattituck and Kim Talmage and Suzanne, both of Riverhead; his siblings, Elsie Harrison, Edna Slavonik and Emil, all of Aquebogue; and four grandchildren.

The family received friends Oct. 30 at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Mattituck. Funeral services were held Oct. 31 at Christ Lutheran Church, the Rev. John Fleischmann officiating. Interment was at Riverhead Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Riverhead Volunteer Ambulance Corps, 1111 Osborne Ave., Riverhead, NY 11901.