Michael Joseph Breen

Michael Joseph Paul Breen, born on February 1, 1956, in Teaneck, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at his home on March 12, 2025, in Phoenix, Arizona, with his beloved wife by his side.

Michael graduated from Unionville High School in Unionville, Pennsylvania, in 1974. He attended The Pennsylvania State University in State College, Pennsylvania.

His passion for music began at the age of 10 when his mother gave him his first guitar. Growing up in Pennsylvania, he played bluegrass with Kenny Thompson. During college, he met Gary Goldberg and formed Breen and Goldberg; soon, Rich Dodson joined, and they became The Magnificent Truckstop Band. Kenny, Rich, and Gary remained close friends throughout his life.

Michael fell in love with the desert in 1978 and moved to the Phoenix Valley, where he began a vibrant music career that kept him playing throughout the valley until just weeks before his death. In 2024, he was honored with an induction into the Greater Arizona Country Music Hall of Fame.

In 1978, he began working at The Salt Cellar, singing folk music. He performed at the Windmill Dinner Theater with the Barnstormers and at the Red River Opry through the 1980s and 1990s, as well as several years at Rawhide - old and new. Mike formed the Back at the Ranch Band and Mike Breen and The Big Dream, playing events across the valley and releasing eight full-length recordings and three singles from 1993-2023 with band members Mickey McGee, Russ & Kenny Scaggs, Lee Miller, Cheryl Wolff, Mike Circillo, Billy Parker, Doug Haywood, his son Ryan Breen, and others. During the most recent 15 years, Mike performed at the Rusty Spur Saloon in Old Town Scottsdale, where he made numerous friends, fans, and memories.

Mike performed solo at the Musical Instrument Museum and Celebrity Theater. His best-selling CD was Mescal Mary and Other Songs for the B Bender Guitar, which was the first instrumental B&G recording released.

Michael is survived by his devoted wife, Della Ralene Breen; his son, Ryan Michael Breen; and his stepchildren, Max “Sunny” January, Dylan Greathouse, and AnnaMarie Scruggs. He was an adored grandfather to Wesley, Jaycen, and Riley Greathouse.

Michael is also survived by his siblings, Sean Breen, Tim Breen, Kevin Breen, and Cathy Breen Miller. He was preceded in death by his mother, Cathrine Elizabeth Giblin Breen; his father, John Patrick Breen, Jr.; and his stepmother, Beverly Breen and former wife, Stacy Van Dyke Breen.

Michael's life was marked by his dedication to his family, music, and warm, generous spirit. He will be deeply missed by all who know him.

A memorial service will be held to celebrate Michael's life on Wednesday, April 9th, 2025, from 1:00 to 3:00 at the Professional Musicians of Arizona Union Hall, 1202 East Oak Street, Phoenix, Arizona.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of the Valley at www.hov.org/donate in Michael's memory.