2009-01-16 / In Memoriam

In Memoriam

Elizabeth Poz Taylor
Elizabeth Poz Taylor Robert Joseph Breslin

Robert Joseph Breslin died peacefully, at home, surrounded by his family. He was 86 years of age.

Bob Breslin cut a fine figure on his long walks around Garden City with his wife Betty. Very tall and wiry, with his bright white fringe, they left Wyndham West (where they were original owners) waving constantly as they made their daily "rounds."

Bob went to Brooklyn Prep and the young usher at Ebbets Field had moved on to Fordham University when his ROTC unit was called up in 1942. He quite suddenly grew to manhood in hand-to-hand combat in the jungles of New Guinea and the Philippines during World War II.

He left Brooklyn after the Dodgers left him and moved all the way "out on the Island," raising his family in Manhasset and in turn watched them raise their families from his new Garden City home. He and Betty were fixtures at mass in St Joseph's and the faith that was with him in battle was present at the end of his life.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Elizabeth O'Brien Breslin, his children Mary Elizabeth Mathers (Allen) of Garden City, Robert Jr. (Dana) of Wallingford, Pennsylvania, Edward (Kathleen) of Plandome Heights and William Breslin (Elizabeth) of Garden City; grandchildren Christina Roberts (Jason); Matthew (Jill), Sarah and Amanda Mathers; Kathleen, Michael, Kate, Christopher, Maggie and Mary Kate Breslin; great grand-children, Ava and Matthew Roberts; and will meet his daughter, Sally Breslin, who went on before him in 2007.

A Mass of Christian Burial was offered by Rev. Msgr. Douglas Mathers, concelebrated by Rev. Thomas Coogan (whose own parents were bridesmaid and usher at Betty and Bob's wedding) at St. Joseph's RC Church, Garden City, with interment at Holy Rood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, his family requests a memorial donation in his and Sally's name to Winthrop University Hospital, Mineola, NY 11501, specifying use in the Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit.

Lawrence McNamara

Lawrence McNamara of Garden City and Stewart Manor passed away on January 6, 2009. Proud WWII Veteran, Retired FDIC Supervisor and VFW 551 Commander 1963-65. Beloved husband of the late Myra. Loving father. Cherished grandfather and great-grandfather.

A Funeral Mass was held January 12 at St. Anne's Roman Catholic Church. Entombment at Holy Rood Cemetery. The family was cared for by Thomas F. Dalton Funeral Home, Floral Park, N.Y.

Elizabeth Poz Taylor

Elizabeth Poz Taylor, 49, of Garden City succumbed to her five-month battle with a recurring brain tumor on January 4, with her family by her side. Liz was born on November 24, 1959, to Nancy and the late Thomas Poz, Sr., at Mercy Hospital in Rockville Centre. At the early age of ten, Liz survived her first brain tumor. With the support of family and friends, she persevered to graduate from the Garden City High School in 1977, followed by earning a bachelor degree from Guilford College in North Carolina in 1981. Professionally, she held positions at Citigroup and, most recently, the IRS.

Married to Robert Taylor, she was blessed with four sons: Christopher, Jonathan, Steven and Brian. Liz's joy in life was always children, including being a caring babysitter and doting aunt; but, her true passion in life was her own four boys. Liz could be seen cheering at soccer and hockey games, providing guidance as a "Scouts Mom", looking on with pride as medals were awarded for community service, and most recently providing encouragement to a "pilot in training." In their own way, each son exhibits traits that can be attributed to Liz, combining her gentle, loving, caring side with a sarcastic wit.

Her brother, Tom Poz, reflected on Liz's life at the Cathedral of the Incarnation on January 7th. To capture the essence of Liz, he shared a document found among her mementos titled "Liz Poz Day" as proclaimed by her co-workers at a campus job at her alma mater, Guilford. The rationale for such a day, was to acknowledge Liz as "one of the nicest, sweetest, most considerate, helpful, giving, caring people on the campus." It further invited people to "awaken to the deeds she quietly does for many on a daily basis." Liz did not aspire to the spotlight, but rather focused on performing the thoughtful and caring acts to those around her, unbeknownst to most.

In addition to her husband and sons, Elizabeth is survived by her loving mother, Nancy Poz; siblings Tom (and Nancy) Poz and Nancy (and John) Knowles; nieces and nephews: Carly and Sean Knowles, and Jessica and "Little T" Poz.

Elizabeth was laid to rest at Locust Valley Cemetery on January 7th, following services at The Cathedral of the Incarnation and Fairchild and Sons. Following is a message of gratitude the family shared at her services, and information on donations in remembrance of Liz.

To All Our Family and Friends: While hiking a volcano earlier this year, the Knowles' family was struck by the beauty of this sprouting tree amongst an otherwise desolate area. Only months later, this picture became a focal point of hope and perseverance during this devastating and challenging time for our family.

To us, the flowering bud represents the positives that can come from this terrible ordeal through your endless kindness, love and support. Your generosity came in so many forms... contributions, meals, flowers, a quick note, a cup of coffee on the steps, a knowing hug, or an empathetic glance. You had no way of knowing that, on many occasions, your kindness was what helped us through a particular moment, a day, or many weeks. You helped our family tree survive and thrive... we will continue to grow and blossom.

Elizabeth began her war against brain tumors at the early age of ten, at which time she underwent rigorous treatment at Winthrop University Hospital. In an effort to give hope and the will to persevere to other children who may face a tumor or equally devastating disease, we respectfully request that you direct any donations in remembrance of Liz to: The Cancer Center for Kids at Winthrop University Hospital (120 Mineola Blvd, Mineola, NY 11501). Thank you all so very much, The Taylor, Poz and Knowles Families

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