Gary Charles Breitweiser

Gary Charles Breitweiser a well known antiques dealer and scholar, passed away peacefully at his Santa Barbara home on December 8, 2021. Born on January 28, 1937 in Alton, Illinois, he was the son of Wilbur and Vera Breitweiser.

Gary earned his Bachelors degree at Northwestern University in 1959 and a Master of Science degree at Princeton University in 1961. He was awarded the National Science Foundation fellowship in 1959.

Gary began his career as a chemical engineer at the Mallinckrodt Chemical Works in St. Louis from 1960 to 1962. He left Mallinckrodt to accept a position as research associate at McDonnell Douglas from 1962 to 1967, eventually moving to Santa Barbara to accept a position as a research scientist at Sloan Technology Corporation in 1967. While working at Sloan, he invented a scientific instrument called the Dektak. This device is still used in science and technology today.

In 1970, Gary left Sloan Technology to pursue his passion in the fine art and antique business. Gary was a leader in the development of the California Art and American Arts And Crafts markets. He worked with museums and publications to write, consult and educate in these genres. Gary was a passionate collector who loved research. He was a noteworthy art dealer and appraiser, listed by Marquis Who’s Who.

Gary is survived by many close friends and colleagues from the antique and fine art world that he considered family. He loved everything about Santa Barbara. Gary was a regular in many Santa Barbara restaurants, where he enjoyed lively conversation and a good martini. Gary will certainly be missed. As requested, he will be interred privately at sea.