Obituary: John "Mike" Breslin - February 14, 1948 – March 6, 2019

What to say about someone who has lived life to the fullest? A true Tampa native – born and raised – graduate of Hillsborough High School in 1966 and USF in 1970 with degrees in mathematics and astronomy. Mike loved nature with a kind of reverence that was easily transmitted to others…. Mike fished in the Bay with his grandfather when one could see the grasses waving at the bottom and scallops were plentiful.

He swam the Hillsborough River and biked from Tampa to Thonotosassa. A musician, specializing in the French Horn, Mike performed in Community Orchestras and bands in Florida, the Third Army Band, Virginia, and Hawaii. He could navigate a boat by the stars and was Interim Planetarium director at St. Petersburg College as well as instructor of Mathematics and Natural Sciences.

Mike’s work experience ran the gamut as one adventure after another – fisherman, High School Principal, teacher, sales, small boat captain, taxi driver, small business owner, and missionary for his church. He held two Masters Degrees – one in Political Science and another in Theology from the Unification Theological Seminary. His final gig until three months before his passing was portraying Santa Claus at the International Market in Waikiki, Hawaii where he connected with people of all ages from many countries – just as he had done his entire life.

Son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather – His love for his family was second only to his love of God. The world is a better place because Mike Breslin walked on this Earth for 71 years. He is missed by many…. Mike has gone Home to be with his Father in Heaven.

Mike is survived by his wife Jan Breslin, children, John (Jannica) Breslin, Emmanuel (Kana) Breslin, Mija Breslin; grandchildren, Sakura, Sumire, and J.J.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at 11am at Blount and Curry Garden of Memories, 4207 E Lake Ave, Tampa, FL 33610. Pot luck luncheon to follow. Location will be announced.

Mike is survived by his wife Jan Breslin, children, John (Jannica) Breslin, Emmanuel (Kana) Breslin, Mija Breslin; grandchildren, Sakura, Sumire, and J.J.