Arthur Charles Breyer

Arthur Charles Breyer, age 98, of Blue Bell PA, was called home by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 24, 2023. He was the beloved husband of the late Louise Breyer for 68 years, father of Richard Breyer (Janell), Carol Breyer and Adrienne Mallett (Pierre); grandfather of Christine, Cyndi, Michael, Peter, and Katie; great-grandfather of Jeremy, Ben, Cora, Abby and Ellie.

Arthur (Art) was born in Brooklyn, NY, to Arthur and Doris Breyer. He was 18 and had just graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School, when he joined the United States Army, where he served his country in WWII from 1943-1945. As a rifleman in the 28th Pennsylvania Division, he participated in three major battles: Rhineland, Hurtgen Forest and Central Germany. At age 19, he was captured at the Battle of the Bulge. As a POW, he was forced to do hard labor in Czechoslovakia and Dresden and lost 70 lbs. in the process. He was returned to Stalag IVB in late April 1945, where he was liberated by the Russian Army and lived with them for two weeks. Near the war’s end, the 69th US Infantry Division had him released and sent to Camp Lucky Strike in France for rehabilitation before returning to the USA. In recognition of his military service, he received the following awards: French Legion of Honor (the highest award to a non-Frenchman), Bronze Star, Purple Heart, POW Medal, European Theater Medal with three bronze battle stars, Victory Medal with one star, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Good Conduct, New York State Conspicuous Service Cross and the American Theater Medal.

Upon returning home, Art went on to marry his beloved, Louise Mary Timmerman, and to pursue his education. He received a B.A. in Chemistry & Mathematics from New York University (1948), M.A. in Physical-Inorganic Chemistry from Columbia University (1950) and went on to get his PhD in Physical-Analytical Chemistry (1958) from Rutgers University. He completed a National Science Foundation post doctorate at the University of Pennsylvania in 1973.

Art’s career ambition since the fifth grade was to teach chemistry. Consequently, he spent over 45 years teaching and inspiring students at seven colleges and universities, ultimately retiring from Arcadia University as Professor Emeritus of Chemistry. He received many teaching awards throughout his career and often remarked that he was being paid to do what he loved. From 1962-1975, he directed the National Science Foundation (NSF) Chemistry Institutes to over 700 teachers from 38 countries and all 50 states. He served in many roles during his 76 years as a member of the American Chemical Society.

While teaching chemistry was his passion, Art’s faith was the underlying driver for all of his career and personal motivations. Art became a member of Calvary Presbyterian Church (Willow Grove, PA) in 1964. He taught the Adult Sunday School classes and the College and Career class and served as an elder for many years. He sang solos joyfully and regularly and was a member of the church choir for 36 years, followed by over 20 years in the Normandy Farm Estates choir. At Arcadia University and Ohio Wesleyan University, he served as the faculty advisor for Intervarsity Christian Fellowship from 1959-1992.

Over his blessedly long life, Art had many interests that he pursued including reading, music, writing, board and card games, stamp collecting, bowling, golf, and watching sports. Whether it was teaching, singing, or one of these many hobbies, his greatest passion was to use his time and talents to the fullest to glorify God and love others with each day he was given. He served others with joy, humility, and unconditional love. He regularly wrote cards and letters to encourage others and consistently shared the hope and peace he found through his relationship with Jesus Christ. He was also a man of prayer and spent countless hours praying fervently for those God laid on his heart. He was a beacon of light and hope and inspired many with his zeal for life, learning and his lived-out faith.

A Memorial Service will be held on November 18, 2023, at 2 PM at Normandy Farms Estates, Twin Silo Drive, Blue Bell, PA 19422. The Funeral will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a date yet to be determined (www.arlingtoncemetery.mil). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the

ACTS Samaritans Fund (https://www.actsretirement.org/acts-benevolence/acts-legacy-foundation-ways-to-give/support-acts-legacy-foundation) or Ambleside School (https://www.ambleside.org/fundraising).