Edward L. Breen, 93, known as Mr. Pet Parade for launching what became the annual June event in La Grange, died of kidney failure Thursday, Sept. 20, in Hinsdale Hospital. In 1947, Mr. Breen helped begin La Grange’s annual pet parade, which grew from a 20-minute gathering of two dozen dogs and children to an event featuring 20 marching bands and 3,000 participants. “He just really wanted to do something neat for kids,” said his son Robert. At age 12, Mr. Breen began working at his father’s dry cleaning business and after high school joined the business full time. While ice-skating one winter he met his future wife, Mildred. They married in 1930. He was a trustee on the La Grange Village Board and on the board of directors of La Grange Federal Savings & Loan for more than 48 years. He was named La Grange’s first Outstanding Citizen in 1969 and was inducted into Lyons Township High School’s Hall of Fame in 1996. He chaired the La Grange Pet Parade until 1994. In addition to his son and wife, he is survived by another son, Edward; a daughter, Barbara Smid; a sister, Catherine Ann Fieg; 10 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Mass will be said at 10 a.m. Monday in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 124 N. Spring Ave., La Grange.
