Robert William Chadwick

Robert William Chadwick was born in Buffalo, New York, in 1930, to Elihu and Helen Chadwick.

Bob graduated from Holy Name high school in Cleveland, Ohio. During his youth he enjoyed playing football, and competing as a featherweight boxing champion for the Catholic Youth Organization, and was coached and mentored by Joe Hanley. Joe dubbed Bob, “Chips,” after a quiet and serious character in a novel. After reading the novel Bob agreed that the nickname Chips fit him to a tee. After graduation Bob worked as an apprentice electrician up until he was drafted by the United States Army during the Korean War. Bob served with honor and integrity with the 124th Surgical Hospital in Lintz, Austria retiring in 1953 as a Corporal.

After his military service, and with the GI Bill in hand, he completed his BA and MA in chemistry from Western Reserve, Cleveland, Ohio and PHD in toxicology from Utah State, Logan, Utah.

Doctorate in hand, he began his career in toxicology first in Miami, Florida and, after several years of work, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. Dr. Chadwick spent most of his career with the US Environmental Protection Agency from 1970-1993. His career with the EPA included being a section chief for three different sections each of which dealt with the metabolism of environmental toxicants. His outstanding career was recognized both within and without the EPA. He is a Diplomat of The American Board of Toxicology, a member of Sigma Xi, and is highly quoted in the open literature. With the EPA he received the Bronze Medal Award for Research, sustained superior performance awards, received commendations from other EPA offices, was listed in several Who’s Who publications, and was the first bench scientist awarded the Distinguished Career Award.

Dr. Chadwick is considered an international expert in the field of pesticide toxicology and metabolism. He authored over 50 peer-reviewed scientific journal articles and book chapters, several special government reports, and numerous abstracts and presentations of his scientific research. He especially distinguished himself through exploring the toxicological interactions of pesticide with xenobiotics, the role of intestinal metabolism, and the role of age in toxicological response. Dr. Chadwick also distinguished himself by mentoring younger EPA employees, being an important contributor to collaborative research efforts. His research saves lives.

After retirement in 1993, Dr. Chadwick enjoyed years of community service. He was a loved participant serving as a Wake County Master Gardner, Durham County Public School After School Program volunteer, a Triangle Guitar Society officer, an American Atheist Association member, and an active ally in the home school community with his grandchildren. He loved playing chess, cards, and his harmonica and did so with anyone seeking companionship.

Dr. Chadwick was a fighter, a veteran, and a scientist but above all else he was a husband, a father, and a grandfather. Dr. Chadwick held his wife, Claire Jeannette, daughter, Natanya Laurel, and grandchildren Corey and Riley closest to his heart in all he did. His unwavering love and dedication to his family were the cornerstones of his life and his family were the source of his greatest joy and inspiration. He found his faith through service to others, always pulling for the underdog, and never forgetting to remind his daughter, “Illegitimi non carborundum est.”

Dr. Chadwick is survived by his wife, Claire Jeannette (Jan) Chadwick, daughter, Natanya Laurel Chadwick and grandchildren, Corey Chadwick Haggins and Riley Carmen Haggins. He is preceded in death by his brothers Thomas and Donald Chadwick and sister Allene Chadwick.

He is remembered with joy by his beloved.

An open house to celebrate Dr. Robert Chadwick will be held November 18th from 3– 5pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 590 Bryan Dr., Apex, NC 27502. All are welcome.