Anna Breen

Anna Breen, a lifelong resident of Jersey City, entered into eternal rest on August 17, 2025 at the age of 102. Born on November 6, 1922, she was the beloved daughter of the late Thomas and Margaret (née Sullivan) Lynch. Anna grew up in Jersey City and was proud to call it her home throughout her long and beautiful life. She especially cherished her years in Hudson County, where she was known as a true “Jersey City Gal” full of warmth, energy, and community spirit.

A devoted parishioner of St. Nicholas Church, Anna dedicated countless hours of service to both the church and to the school. She was an active member of the Rosary Society, worked Tuesday night Bingo, organized the school flea market and annual bazaar, and even stepped in as a substitute teacher’s aide. In 1991, her commitment was recognized when Monsignor Manz honored her as the parish’s “Most Distinguished Parishioner”—a testament to her faith and devotion.

Anna’s greatest joy was her family. She was the loving mother of Karen, John, Debbie, and Ann and Michael Colalillo; the late William and his late wife, Maureen; and the late Michael. Cherished grandmother of John and Kate Rohrs, and Robert; and adored great-grandmother of William and Madelyn. She is survived by her dear sister, Margaret Dillon, and was predeceased by her siblings Catherine, Thomas, Joseph, and Mary Kalinowski.

Anna will be remembered for her boundless energy, generous heart, and unwavering faith. She lived her life with love, grace, and joy, leaving behind a legacy that will continue to inspire those who knew her.

Visitation is Thursday, August 21, 2025 from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM at Riotto Funeral Home & Cremation Company, 3205 Kennedy Blvd. Jersey City. (For GPS navigation is best to use our parking lot address: 14 Stagg Street). Funeral Mass is 10:00 AM at St. Nicholas Church, 122 Ferry Street, Jersey City with interment to follow at Holy Rood Cemetery, 61 Whippany Road, Morristown, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made in Anna’s memory to Boys Town (https://www.boystown.org/). Anna’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who shared in her life and supported her with love and friendship through the years, especially Suzy LePore and Rosa Torres and her dear neighbors of Jersey City.  

“May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.”