Lynn D. “Don” Breon, 88, of Centre Hall, passed away on Thursday, March 26, 2026, at Milton Hershey Medical Center, leaving behind the kind of presence that simply cannot be replaced. Born on June 16, 1937, in Bellefonte, he was the son of the late Kathryn M. (Wert) Breon.
Don graduated from Centre Hall–Potter High School in 1955 and attended Penn State University. He proudly served in the United States Air Force as a captain navigator with the 51st Bomb Squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base before his honorable discharge. He later devoted more than 37 years to Penn State University’s Budget and Controller’s Offices.
He lived in full color, most fittingly, purple. Whether arriving at a show, a dinner, or simply driving through town in his unmistakable purple BMW, Don was impossible to miss and even harder to forget. He had a larger-than-life presence, a magnetic warmth, and a flair for joy that turned any gathering into an occasion.
Music and performance were among Don’s greatest joys. For nearly thirty years, he sang with the State College Choral Society and later joined Essence II. His involvement with the Center for the Performing Arts’ Community Advisory Council reflected his belief that the arts help us understand one another and enrich the life of the University. He was also a devoted supporter of the School of Theatre.
He loved the arts with the enthusiasm of someone who understood that life was meant to be experienced fully. Music, theatre, painting, jewelry, cooking, and gardening all held his attention and affection. He supported performances near and far, from Penn State stages to Broadway and theaters across the country. His laughter, rich, booming, and instantly recognizable, felt as much a part of the performance as the actors on stage, echoing through theater halls and living on in the memories of everyone lucky enough to hear it.
He enjoyed Penn State sports, especially volleyball, loved playing tennis, and brought the same joy and spirit to every corner of his life. More than anything, Don loved people. He never met a stranger, and strangers rarely stayed strangers for long. Friends became family, and family became the center of his world.
His great-nieces and great-nephews held a particularly special place in his heart, and he loved them with the pride and devotion of a grandfather.
Don is survived by his sister-in-law, V. Jane Breon of Pleasant Gap; his nephew, Kent M. Breon of Severna Park, MD; his niece, Julie M. Hart and her husband, Jeffrey, of Fairfax, VA; his greatnieces and great-nephews, Ava A. Breon, Bryson M. Hart, Flora M. Breon, and Rhys B. Hart; and the many dear friends who became family over the years.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his twin brother, James R. “Ron” Breon.
To honor Don and the passions that made his life so full, the family requests memorial contributions be made to a local music or theatrical group or organization of the donor’s choice.
A celebration of life will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Centre County on May 2nd with a memorial visitation starting at 1pm until 2pm and the service will begin at 2pm.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Barbara Daughenbaugh Funeral Home, Inc. of Centre Hall. To share memories and condolences online, please visit daughenbaughs.com.