Douglas M. Breen, 67, of Laurel, Del., formerly of Dunkirk, died Nov. 21, 2012, after a long battle with cancer, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Nevada, Mo., to the late George and Norma Breen.

He retired from Unisys as a network engineer. He was the past president of the Laurel Historical Society and was instrumental in opening the Heritage Museum at the old railroad station in Laurel. He had a passion for genealogy and was the author of three cemetery books pertaining to burials in local cemeteries. He enjoyed playing the guitar and piano and was a great cook. Cherished family memories include his love of fishing at his cottage in Galestown and spending time with his grandchildren. He was also a past member of the Calvert County Historical Society. He was a U.S. Army veteran serving as a linguist during the Vietnam War.

He is survived by his wife, Loretta Breen; children, Michael Breen and his wife, Kristin, of Friendship, Shannon Breen and her husband, Bobbie, of West River and Megan Jarzyna of Jersey City, N.J.; brother, Gerald Breen and his wife, Mary Kay, of Charlottesville, Va.; and grandchildren, Ryan, Brent, Ashley, Rachel, Lilly and Patrick Breen.

Memorial service was Nov. 25 at Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel, Del., where a visitation with the family was held.