Rev. Richard Breitbach, age 90, was born on December 10, 1935, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and was called to Eternal Life on February 10, 2026.
Beloved brother of Mary Ann (the late Robert) Hack. Loving uncle of Cindy (John) Prendergast, Michael (Kristen Johnson) Hack, Thomas (Debra) Hack, Kathleen (Kevin Pankratz) Hack, and Joseph Hack. Further survived by 11 great-nieces and great-nephews, 12 great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews, as well as other relatives, dear friends, brother priests, and the many students and parishioners whose lives he touched.
Father began his priestly formation at St. Francis Seminary in St. Francis (1950–1956) and continued his studies at the Pontifical North American College and the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome (1957–1961). He was ordained to the priesthood by the Most Reverend Martin J. O’Connor on December 18, 1960, at the North American College in Rome.
Father Breitbach was first assigned on February 8, 1962, as Assistant at St. John de Nepomuc Parish in Milwaukee. He was appointed Advocate for Matrimonial Cases of the Archdiocese of Milwaukee Metropolitan Tribunal on December 1, 1964. On July 7, 1965, he joined the faculty of St. Francis Major Seminary in St. Francis and, in 1966, attended the University of Chicago for graduate studies. He was assigned to the faculty of St. Francis de Sales College in Milwaukee on June 27, 1967, and on January 4, 1974, was appointed Pro-Synodal Judge for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee Metropolitan Tribunal. On June 19, 1979, Father joined the faculty of Cardinal Stritch College in Milwaukee. He was appointed Pastor of Resurrection Parish in Allenton on June 15, 1999, and on June 18, 2002, was additionally assigned Pastor of St. Lawrence Parish in St. Lawrence. Father retired from active ministry on June 30, 2005.
Father Breitbach faithfully devoted his life to the holy priesthood, serving God and His people with compassion, humility, and steadfast faith. A dedicated educator and mentor, he treasured time spent with family and friends throughout his well-traveled life, including cherished visits with loved ones from Iowa. He was a constant presence at family gatherings and could always be counted on whenever someone needed prayer, comfort, or support in times of sickness or need.
He embraced life’s simple joys: classic films, playing cards and trivia, following Marquette basketball and the Milwaukee Brewers, and a lifelong fascination with trains. He will be remembered for his priestly devotion, generous heart, and the quiet, faithful way he showed up for both his Church and his family.
Ninety years. Sixty-five years a priest. That is a life poured out in service.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace.
On behalf of our family, we would like to offer our heartfelt gratitude to all who prayed for, cared for, and loved Fr. Dick.
To everyone who offered Masses, rosaries, intentions, and quiet prayers on his behalf — thank you. He believed deeply in the power of prayer, and he was sustained by yours.
To the members of his household who walked with him each day in his final season, your presence was a profound gift. You provided comfort, patience, dignity, and steady love.
We are especially grateful to Horizon Home Care and Hospice for your compassionate guidance and professional care. Your tenderness brought peace not only to him, but to all of us.
Special thanks to Diane Flanigan, whose daily care was given with love, compassion, and understanding, and who became a dear friend to Uncle Fr. Dick. We are also grateful to Deb Hack and Annie Bennington for their loving support whenever it was needed.
It truly took a village.
As Fr. Dick cared for so many throughout his life — with prayer, counsel, encouragement, and faithful presence — we were blessed to care for him in return during his final days.
That was a privilege.
That was love, coming full circle.
With sincere gratitude,
The family of Fr. Breitbach
A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial for Father Breitbach will be celebrated at St. Margaret Mary Parish, 3970 N. 92nd St., Milwaukee, on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with visitation at the parish from 10:00 a.m. until the Mass. Priest friends and former colleagues are invited to concelebrate; please bring an alb and white stole. Private interment will take place at a later date at Holy Cross Cemetery, Milwaukee. In lieu of flowers any donations may be made in loving memory to support the formation of future priests at St. Francis Seminary.
