58100e5ced11006295af20cb44e64efa.jpg

PENNINGTON: Market, customers aid family after fire

Early March 22, the Breault residence in Whiting burned to the ground

By John Tredrea, Staff Writer
   Strong thankfulness tempers the piercing sorrow each day brings.
   ”It’s a tough time for Shirley and me,” Robert Breault said Monday morning at the Pennington Quality Market where he’s worked for 17 years.
   ”We cry, both of us, once a day. But the main thing we feel now is knowing how blessed we are. We have each other, neither of us was hurt, and that’s the most important thing. And so many people have been so generous to us. It’s been just overwhelming kindness.”
   Early the morning of March 22, the Breaults’ home in Whiting burned to the ground.
   ”We were up when it started at 6 a.m.,” said Mr. Breault, who is manager of the market’s bakery department. “The garage was on fire. Apparently what started it was a hot ember in the fireplace ashes. By the time we found it, we just had time to get out of the house. We were able to save all our family photographs and some other personal things. But the house was completely destroyed.”
   Before moving to Whiting, in Ocean County, three years ago, the Breaults lived in Hopewell Borough for 25 years. Their three grown children, Peter, Kevin and Brianne, all went through the Valley’s public school system. Peter Breault is a former volunteer firefighter with both the Pennington and Hopewell Borough companies.
   ”We’re fully insured,” Mr. Breault said. “We’re building a new house at the same location. Even if no one had donated a cent, we would have been fine financially. We have been given food, clothes, money and many kind words. People have been very generous, from our church, Christ Evangelical in Whiting; our community, Crestwood Village Six; our own families; the Red Cross; and the Pennington Market community.”
   Monday was Mr. Breault’s first day back at work after the fire.
   ”I’m so glad to be here, to still be able to come back here and do what I do,” Mr. Breault said emotionally.
   Don Rellstab, the market’s manager, said the reaction among fellow employees and customers to the Breaults’ misfortune “just shows what a good community we have.”
   The market organized a fund drive for the Breaults. Donations were put in a glass container atop the bakery department counter.
   ”Even people who don’t know Bob or Shirley contributed and very generously,” Mr. Rellstab said. “It’s much appreciated.”