Artillius Lee Breakfield

Artillius Lee Breakfield, a proud U.S. Marine, dedicated public servant, decorated athlete, performing artist, and deeply loved patriarch, passed away in April 8, 2025. Born in 1937 in Omaha, Nebraska to Marjorie Terrell-Peeples and Sinclair Breakfield. Artillius had an extremely close relationship with his grandmother, Edna Davis, and often referred to himself, his mother and grandmother as “The Three Musketeers". He lived a remarkable life marked by purpose, compassion, resilience, and unwavering devotion to his family and community.

From a young age, Artillius learned the value of hard work, laboring in meatpacking plants and cornfields in and around Omaha, Nebraska to help support his family. These formative years shaped a lifelong commitment to service, self-discipline, and the hard work.

After attending Hasting University in Hastings, NE, Artillius served honorably in the United States Marine Corps, where his leadership qualities quickly earned him the role of platoon 'guide' during basic training. He rose to the rank of Private First Class and played football for the Corps, demonstrating excellence on and off the field. Artillius also played semi-pro football.

After his military service, he attended California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), where he earned a degree in Sociology and excelled in multiple sports such as football, basketball, baseball, and was later inducted into the Cal Poly Athletic Hall of Fame. He held formal training in Criminology and Case Management. A proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Artillius embodied its principles of achievement and brotherhood throughout his life.

From 1985 to 2000, Artillius served as a dedicated parole officer with the New York State Division of Parole. His passion for social work and community reentry support was evident in his approach to counseling, case management, and services access. He took pride in helping individuals rebuild their lives and navigate complex systems with dignity and direction, often going beyond the call of duty to support those in need.

After retirement from parole services, Artillius moved to Durham, North Carolina where he continued his commitment to public service as an intermittent employee with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), responding to both natural and man-made disasters across the country. He remained in this role until just before his 80th birthday, bringing steady leadership and care to crisis-affected communities. A man of deep artistic passion, Artillius was a lifelong performer with a special love for musical theater. He sang with the “100 Men in Black” choir and the performing arts well into his 80s. He also sang in the choir as a devoted member of Union Baptist Church in Durham, NC. Artillius was a lifelong athlete and avid tennis player excelling in amateur tennis with rankings as high as #13 in the 55’s in the American Tennis Association league. He also mentored youth through police athletic programs (PAL), embodying mentorship in both word and action.

Above all, Artillius loved and adored his large immediate and extended family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of more than 40 years, Ann Carolyn Breakfield. He is survived by his eldest sister, Beverly Shephard of Perris, CA; five children, daughter Debbie Lyvers of Oklahoma City, OK, son Artillius S. Breakfield (Rookie) of Menifee, CA, daughter Holli Breakfield of Hemet, CA, son Artrell Breakfield and daughter-in-law

Denise of Philadelphia, PA, and daughter Iman Martin, Maryland; and four grandchildren, Basden, Cameron, Gabby and AJ, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and community members whose lives he touched deeply.