Honeoye: Alexander Helmut-Martin Breidenstein passed away suddenly on November 17, 2023. He was 30 years old. He is survived by his parents Peter and Heidi Breidenstein, brother Peter Z. Breidenstein and his wife Erin, brother Benjamin Breidenstein, grandmothers Betty Zillmann and Annmarie Breidenstein, nieces Avery and Eve Breidenstein, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is predeceased by his beloved grandfathers Helmut Breidenstein and Martin Zillmann. Alex was a kind and gentle person who will be missed dearly not only by his family, but by his many friends, especially Dalton Sauers and Shane Sidlowskus and their families.
Alex was born in Rochester and grew up in Honeoye, New York. He graduated from Honeoye Central School District in 2011 and went on to attend Fingerlakes Community College. Alex was a respected supervisor at Artisan Meats in Canandaigua and also worked at Party Man Catering, and enjoyed working in an industry that he considered to be a part of his family roots.
Alex was a loving “old soul” who was interested in living life and being the best person he could be. At his core, Alex was a collector, and from a young age enjoyed collecting anything from things, to talents and hobbies, to friends. Alex often showed his love for others, including strangers, in quiet ways, and went out of his way to help those in need. In high school he befriended those who seemed lonely or were picked on, and at the grocery store you could find him helping elderly people carry their groceries to their cars.
Alex loved to collect knowledge, from trying to master discrete math, to learning how to be a dungeon master in Dungeons and Dragons. He learned how to build computers with his friends and then helped others build their own.
Alex was a gamer and interested in collecting any kind of game, including both board games and video games. His first gaming passion was The Legend of Zelda, and he even learned how to play the ocarina, a musical instrument showcased in the game. He later followed his brothers into the world of Halo and StarCraft, where he found his passion for multi-player role playing games. He had a network of friends with whom he loved to game, whether they were sitting on their own computer next to him, or on the other side of the country.
Alex was a musician in the Honeoye Central School Band and Jazz Band, where he participated in scholastic music festivals and marched in the Hemlock and Honeoye Memorial Day Parades. He was selected to play the trombone because of his great ear for notes, and also played the tuba and sousaphone at school. Alex later taught himself how to play guitar, ukulele, drums, and tried to tackle the didgeridoo. His love for music was diverse and ranged from classical, to jazz, to international indie music, rock, and heavy metal. It was always interesting to hear what was playing when he picked you up in his car.
Alex also recently rediscovered his love for the outdoors, and would often go hiking with friends and family in various spots around the area.
Family and friends may call on Friday, December 1st, from 4pm – 7pm at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 8624 Main Street, Rte 20A, Honeoye, NY. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, December 2nd, at the Willow Creek Venue, 3100 Rochester Avenue, Lakeville, NY 14480. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Honeoye Band Boosters (which supports the HCS Music Programs), Attn: Brian Wilkins, 8528 Main Street, Honeoye, NY 14471. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
I miss you Alex. More and more every day. I want to hear you say “hello Auntie” again. 🙁
Alex always brimmed with curiosity, relishing the pursuit of knowledge and engaging in discussions on a wide array of topics. His zest for life radiated unmistakably, particularly during family gatherings. In the summertime, he immersed himself in playful interactions with both the young and old, lifting spirits by playing games with the kids, eliciting laughter, and ensuring everyone felt cherished. Alex had a remarkable ability to make individuals feel significant, never diminishing anyone’s worth or presence. Notably, he played a pivotal role in making my kids feel like integral parts of the family—enjoyed and valued. Beyond his affable nature, Alex assumed the role of a tradition custodian, mastering the art of crafting the 7-layer dip and the Christmas torte. I want to be like him. I will miss him deeply.
My earliest memory of Al is him running around Aunt Betty’s place in a new fleece sweatshirt Heidi made for him. Must have been around Thanksgiving or Christmas. With his curly blond hair, he was a cute kid.
My adult memories of Al are seeing him several times a year for family get togethers. He was always happy to see people, always welcoming, and always made my kids feel at home. At heart, he always had the energy and enthusiasm of a kid. He was always excited to learn, to try a new game, or hang around and talk about anything and everything. I will miss his smiling face and gregarious good nature.
I have a few favorite memories with Al. I remember going over to Aunt Bettie’s as a kid and messing around with Abby and him. We would always try to position ourselves is weird poses to see if he could still pick us up (which he always could). I remember showing him my rocks and talking to him about college, and I remember swimming with him. He was a sweet soul and he will be missed.
Some if my favorite memories with Al were at Christmas, or during the Fourth of July. He was always a funny guy and I felt like he helped me grow into what I am today. I saw him as a role model when I was down, and a great guy when I was feeling in my best spirits. His presence at any gathering was always appreciated because it lightened the atmosphere anywhere he went. My time messing around in the lake, or in the living room, or in the dining room playing games was so fun and I’ll never forget what he has done to me as a mentor and a teacher, who showed me how to relax in life. He was a great man. I will remember him in a special place in my heart. Anyone mourning his death should take care to remember him, and while grieving his loss, always remember and celebrate the life he was able to have.
Sending our love and deepest sympathy to the family.
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you .
Heidi and Peter we are so sorry to hear about your loss – Please know we are thinking of you both.
Dear Betty and all of this dear young man’s family… merry his memory be a source of joyful remembrance to you. You have my deepest sympathy.