Armour College of Engineering Professor Emeritus and former Chairman of the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Norman N. Breyer passed away on April 29. He received his B.S. degree in Metallurgical Engineering from Michigan Technology University in 1943. Breyer served as a combat engineer in World War II. Landing in Normandy a couple of days after D-Day, he served in the European theater through the end of hostilities there. Breyer went on to receive his M.S. degree in Metallurgical Engineering from the University of Michigan in 1948, and he received his Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering at Illinois Institute of Technology in 1963.

In 1964 Breyer joined the faculty of Illinois Tech, eventually serving as chairman of the Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering from 1976-1984. He was named Professor Emeritus in 1991. Breyer was known for his expertise in Liquid Metal Embrittlement, Heat Treatment of Steel, and Failure Analysis. In 1977 he was elected a Fellow of the American Society of Metals.

Breyer was the beloved husband of the late Dorothy, nee Atlas, and the late Claire, nee Coren; adored father of Matthew (Lori Adelson), Richard (Joan), Margie (Glen Marder), and step father of Karen (Sandy) Markin and Mike, Rob (Tracy) and Janet (fiancé Ron Lampert) Shore; treasured grandfather of Amy and Megan Breyer, Sarah and Lizzy Plotkin, Max and Nina Breyer, Sam and Jack Marder, Eric (Hadar) Markin, Zach (Laura) Markin, Rachel and Nina Shore, Aron and Alex Pobereskin; cherished great grandfather of Jonathan Markin; wonderful brother of the late Fred (Helen), and brother-in-law of Miriam (the late Nate) Davis, the late Ruth Atlas, and Arthur (Judy) Coren; loved by his nieces and nephews.

Chapel service was held on May 1 at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Interment Shalom Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Chicago Botanic Gardens. For information or to leave condolences: 847.255.3520 or www.shalom2.com.