Ed Breen was born in the Phillips House, a fine old hotel in Dayton, Ohio.

Breen attended Corpus Christi Grammar School and earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Dayton.

He was released from active duty and awarded the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Infantry Reserve.

In 1950, Breen won re-election to the House, defeating Republican challenger Paul F. Schenck.

A few years later, he re-entered politics, running successfully for a seat on the Board of Commissioners of Montgomery County, Ohio, serving in that capacity from 1955 to 1960.