Robert J. Breslin
Robert J. Breslin, a prominent Lehigh Valley Architect died on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. He was 86. He was predeceased by his beautiful and beloved wife Barbara who passed away in September 2009. They were happily married 52 years and raised three children: Robin, Gregg, and Kristin. Barbara was his true love and ballast of his life. As a young man, Bob was a gifted athlete. He received the Scholar Athlete Award of his graduating class of Summit Hill High School. He was selected to the Carbon/Schuylkill All-Star Football Team and was District XI track champion and gold medal winner in the 100, 220 and 440 yard dashes in 1953 and 1954. In 1954, he set records in each event which lasted for decades. In college, Bob was a sprinter on the Penn State University Track Team for legendary Penn State Coach Chick Werner. Bob was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame in the Class of 2000 in recognition of his athletic accomplishments. He graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Architectural Engineering, furthered his education at the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, and pursued a career as an Architect. He founded Breslin Architects in 1964, one of the Lehigh Valley's largest and most respected Architectural Firms. Bob was the Lead Architect for many of the Firm's iconic award-winning projects such as the Allentown Public Library, Lehigh Valley International Airport's Main Terminal and
Wiley Post Terminal, and numerous buildings at DeSales University, as well as many other School, College and University buildings throughout the United States. Under his leadership the firm was consistently honored with awards for the design of their buildings from the American Institute of Architects. In addition to his career as an architect, Bob enjoyed competitive sports and was an avid Penn State Nittany Lion fan where he established endowed scholarships in football, track and field, swimming, and men's basketball. He was inducted into the Mount Nittany Society in 2005 in recognition of his financial support of the University. Bob served on various Boards such as the Community School of the Lehigh Valley, Wiley House, and KidsPeace, and was a member of the President's Advisory Council at DeSales University. He was awarded the “DeSales Medal” for his outstanding architectural contributions to the University in 2010. He was appointed to lead the State Architecture Commission by Governor Thornburg and served as its Chairman for ten years during which he was charged with review and approval of many important public buildings including the expansion of the State Capital Building in Harrisburg. Most recently, Bob was notified that he will be receiving an honorary degree from DeSales University in recognition of his influence on the Campus. In addition, DeSales plans to name their future Welcome Center Building in his honor. Bob was a creative, talented and successful architect and a mentor to the many younger architects who worked at his firm. Bob was passionate about his career as an architect, but above all else he was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather! His spirit will live on in those who knew and respected him.
He is survived by his Son: Robin W. Breslin and his wife Gwen H. Breslin of Bethlehem; Daughter: Kristin Breslin Sommese of State College, PA; Daughter-In-Law: Cathi A. Breslin of Bath, PA; Grandchildren: Kaitlin Breslin Paglione, Kelsey R. Breslin wife of Daniel Rahusen, Andie W. Breslin, Saige E. Sommese, Robert M. Breslin, and Zane W. Sommese, and a Great-Granddaughter: Rose Breslin Rahusen. He was preceded in death by a Son: Gregg D. Breslin and a Son-In-Law: Lanny B. Sommese. A celebration of Bob's life will be private, at the convenience of the family. Arrangements by the J.S. Burkholder Funeral Home, Allentown. Condolences may be offered at: www.jsburkholder.com.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his memory to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.