Dr. Robert I. Schattner

On Sunday, January 29, 2017, Robert (Bob) I. Schattner, D.D.S., of Bethesda, Maryland – dentist, inventor, businessman and philanthropist – passed away at the age of 91. Dr. Schattner was born June 4, 1925, and was the son of the late Isidore and Frieda Schattner (nee Schmerler) and the beloved husband of the late Kay Ferrell Schattner; father of Ronald J. and Richard L. Schattner; stepfather of Kay F. Mikula (Gerald) and Deborah Fedynak (Douglas); brother of the late Theodore and Samuel Schattner; grandfather of Robert Vance and Violette Rachelle Schattner; and uncle of Robert T. Schattner and Merle Rosen.

At a very early age, Dr. Schattner caught the entrepreneurial spirit by selling homemade memorabilia to game attendees at Yankee Stadium. As a young man, he and his brothers played in a band that performed at a resort in the Catskills in upstate New York. It has been said that Dr. Schattner was quite the drummer in those days!

Dr. Schattner received a degree in chemistry from The City College of New York and went on to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania Dental School at the age of 23. After graduation, he served a year and a half with the United States Public Health Service before opening his dental practice in New York City, where he practiced for 9 years.

In 1958, Dr. Schattner sold his dental practice to fund the development of Chloraseptic, his invention that went on to become one of the bestselling sore-throat medications on the market.

Dr. Schattner sold Chloraseptic in 1964 to the Norwich Pharmacal Company. He then started developing another product, Sporicidin Disinfectant/Sterilant. This product was used by physicians, hospitals and dentists to sterilize and disinfect instruments and equipment. It was later found to be effective in eradicating mold. After the sale of Sporicidin in 2008, he retired to his desk where he enjoyed studying the stock market and working on his charts.

During his long business career Dr. Schattner was involved in many other ventures including bidding on sport teams and serving as a Director on various banks’ boards. He received numerous awards and recognitions including “Dentist of the Year” in 1984. This award was bestowed upon him by the American Association of Entrepreneurial Dentists. He also served on the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine Board of Overseers since 2002.

Dr. Schattner always attributed his success to serendipity.

Dr. Schattner was a quiet but generous philanthropist, whose substantial donations to the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and the Jewish Primary Day School of Washington, D. C., impacted many lives. He also donated to many other worthy causes throughout his life.

Dr. Schattner’s charming personality and wit fostered many strong friendships during his life and he will be dearly missed. He will always be remembered for his wisdom, humor, and generous heart.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. For further information on this, and to express condolences, contact www.hinesrinaldifuneralhome.com.