Dennis Richmond, vice president at Reishauer, recently commented on the passing of Richard E. Breidenstein: "The gear manufacturing community is deeply saddened with the recent passing of Richard E. Breidenstein, one of the industry's pioneers in gear manufacturing and technology application. Breidenstein lost his fight with his CHF illness on Saturday March 10, 2012. Those who knew Breidenstein understood his passion for dancing, playing the accordion, traveling, golfing, playing with his cat Mandy and enjoying his family. Some of his happiest and fulfilling moments were playing with his 10 grandchildren. He got his start in the gear industry just out of high school in 1953 as an apprentice for Oliver Gear in Buffalo, New York. His first assignment was cutting gears on a hobbing machine. Oliver thought so much of Dick that they encouraged him to seek additional education to advance his skills, they even paid for his tuition.  After earning his degree in Tool Design from Erie County Technical Institute in 1961, he was promoted to estimator for Oliver Gear. He worked at Oliver gear until 1971. After that he moved to the Chicago area to take a position with Illinois Gear. Later in 1977 he opened his own shop; Geometric Machine in Bensenville, Illinois.  Unfortunately due poor economic conditions he was forced to close the doors in 1981. He then went to work for Chicago Gear as a manager of production. In 1985 when the desire to be his own boss again was overwhelming, he formed the company Rebco Industrial Products."

Breidenstein is survived by his loving wife Beverly of 57 years, three daughters, Michelle (Michael) Klave of Pahrump, Nev., Denise Beaudoin of Marengo and Rene (Kevin) Wolke of Crystal Lake; three sisters, Betty (Perry) Erhard of Concord, N.C., Ruth (Louis) Pondolfi of Depew, N.Y., and Barbara (John) Marillo of Concord, N.C.; his grandchildren, Melissa, Mary and Mason Klave, Matthew, Eric and Jessica Beaudoin, and Christopher, Malerie, Andrew and Daniel Wolke; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Charlotte; and a sister, Joyce (Frank) Sette.

"Over the decades, he was able to use his vast knowledge of the industry along with his numerous contacts to build a successful business in the gear industry selling new and used gear cutting tools. We salute his achievements," Richmond adds. Condolences can be made to his wife Beverly Breidenstein at 12355 Laurel Lane Huntley, Illinois 60142.