Edward L. Breen, Sr. :::
Edward L. Breen, Sr.
Graduated in 1925
Inducted in 1996
Edward L. Breen, Sr. is a 1925 graduate of LT. Together with his father and sons, Breen built a successful five-store dry cleaning business, in operation since 1920. Extremely active in his profession, Breen served as past president of the West Suburban Dry Cleaners Association, the Illinois State Dry Cleaners Association and the National Institute of Dry Cleaners. His involvement was recognized by the International Fabricare Institute in 1978 when he was inducted in their Hall of Fame for his outstanding contributions to the industry. Breen shares his success with the community. Breen offered his expertise to the LaGrange Federal Savings & Loan serving on the Board of Directors for over 48 years, as president from 1962 to 1982, and chairman of the board from 1975 to 1993. In addition, he served as president of the West Suburban Chamber of Commerce from 1947 to 1950, and again in 1960. In 1947 he initiated the LaGrange Pet Parade and served as its Chairman until 1994, helping the parade grow to include 3,000 participants and 25,000 spectators. He was named the first Outstanding Citizen of the year in 1969 by the Village of LaGrange and was named the Citizen of the Month during the village's centennial year. Born and raised in LaGrange, the Breen family has been a formidable presence in the area for more than a century.