In Memoriam: Brother Jeffrey "Big Daddy" Breton (USW 11)

We wish our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of USW 11 retiree Jeffrey P. Breton, 67, of Jay, who passed away on Nov. 20, 2024, at his home.

Jeff was a 1975 graduate of Jay High School where he excelled in athletics. He was also employed as a millwright at Otis Paper Mill in Jay for 33 years before his retirement. Fellow USW 11 member Mike Castaneda said Breton, who was known as "Big Daddy" to his coworkers, "lived up to that name by just being the big, fun guy that he was."

"I remember one morning we were sitting on tool boxes in the machine shop waiting for our morning assignments and the boss came in and said, ‘Jeff, you only work four days a week. You’re always calling in one day a week. Why do you do that? Jeff, without missing a beat said, ‘Because I can’t get by on three days.’"

In his younger years, Jeff found great joy in skiing, playing softball, and camping with his children. One of his favorite pastimes was riding his motorcycle, and he often embarked on trips to The Black Hills Motorcycle Rally. His love for the outdoors also took him on many September trips to fish in Lake Ontario, and he took pleasure in the serenity of hunting, fishing, and sailing in Maine.  

In his later years, he continued to surround himself with friends, enjoying games of cribbage, poker, cheering the Patriots on and peacefully floating around Wilson Lake. Jeff was always the life of the party, known for his infectious laughter that will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

"He was one of the people you’d think would be here forever and to have him pass at 67, that’s way too young," said Castaneda. "He was an Otis legend.  A true brother to those who knew him. May he rest in peace."