Phillip Carl Breunle, DR. P.H., COL, USA

Phillip Carl Breunle, DR. P.H., COL, USA (RET), LFACHE, EMERITUS FAAMA/DIPLOMATE

January 8, 1939 – January 14, 2025

Phillip Carl Breunle, DR. P.H., COL, USA (RET), LFACHE, EMERITUS FAAMA/DIPLOMATE, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2025, at the age of 86, surrounded by his loving family. He lived a distinguished life of service, education, and dedication to both his family and his country.

Born on January 8, 1939, Phil was a lifelong scholar, graduating from Hornell High School in New York in 1956. He went on to earn a BA in Biology from Alfred University in 1960, followed by a Master’s in Healthcare Administration from Baylor University in 1972. His passion for healthcare and public service led him to Tulane University, where he earned both a Master’s in Public Health Care Administration in 1978 and a Doctorate in Public Health Care Administration in 1980.

Phil’s military career spanned 30 years as a United States Army Medical Service Corps Officer (1960-1990), during which he achieved the rank of full Colonel. His military education was extensive, including the U.S. Army Medical Department’s Officer Basic Course, Airborne School, U.S. Army Infantry School, and Command and General Staff College. His assignments took him around the world, from Korea to Thailand, Panama, and Vietnam, where he served in leadership roles such as Company Commander, Executive Officer, and Deputy Commander for Administration. Notably, he worked as a Military Assistant to the Governor of the Panama Canal and played a key role in health administration within the Canal Zone Government.

Over his career, Phil was recognized with numerous awards and decorations, including the Parachutist Badge, Korean Defense Service Medal, Expert Medical Badge, Meritorious Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device (“60” signifying the start of the Vietnam War 1960), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Legion of Merit, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon with 2 Device (“2” signifying two overseas tours of duty), Army Achievement Medal, Army Meritorious Service Medal, and Defense Meritorious Medal. His professional accomplishments were further acknowledged through prestigious honors such as the Delta Omega Society induction at Tulane University, the Distinguished Service Award from the American Academy of Medical Administrators, and selection by the Army Medical Department Command Selection Board for a principal command assignment.

Beyond his military service, Phil was a dedicated educator and mentor. He held faculty positions with Baylor University, serving as an Assistant and Associate Professor, and later worked as an Adjunct Faculty Advisor and Mentor with Southwest University in New Orleans. A lifelong learner, he remained active in professional organizations, including the American College of Healthcare Executives, the American Academy of Medical Administrators, the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States, and The Retired Officers Association. Phil’s commitment to continued education included attending several Health Care conferences, being a member within various Health Care Committees and Appointments, and writing a multitude of publications.

Phil also had a deep commitment to his community. After retiring from the Army, he worked as the Weekend Manager for Porter Place Retirement Community from 1995 to 2004 and volunteered at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Aurora, Colorado, as well as Fort Logan National Cemetery in Denver. He was known for his generosity and kindness, always willing to help neighbors in need, rescuing and adopting feral cats, and lending a hand wherever it was needed. In his personal time, he enjoyed collecting antique bottles, watches, and fountain pens.

Phil married the love of his life, Judith Ann White, on May 30, 1964, at Grace Episcopal Church in Merchantville, New Jersey. Together, they recently celebrated 60 wonderful years of marriage in Denver, Colorado, with their family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Judith, and their children: Shawn J. Breunle (wife April), Melissa S. Breunle, Kristan S. Breunle (wife Maria), and Kara Lynn Breunle Snyder (husband David Snyder III). His legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren: Brittany Malnar Hurst, Ethan Gillette, Morgan, Zachary, and Rachel Breunle, Reese and Arianna Lory, Katherine and Abigail von Poks, and Emily, Lara, and David Snyder IV, as well as his great-granddaughter, Anastasia Lory. He was preceded in death by his parents, Weldon S. and Ruth Breunle of Hornell, New York.

A memorial service will take place on February 22, 2025, at 2:00 PM at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, located at 1 Del Mar Circle, Aurora, CO 80011. Phil was known for doing things his own way, a sentiment best captured by his favorite saying: “I Did It My Way.” His family finds comfort in knowing that he passed with dignity, grace, and on his own terms. 

ETERNAL REST GRANT UNTO HIM, O LORD, AND LET PERPETUAL LIGHT SHINE UPON HIM.