Robert P. Perry

He was born January 10, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois. He graduated from Northwestern University as a mathematics major in 1951, and earned his Ph.D. in biophysics at the University of Chicago in 1956. The helical structure of DNA had recently been discovered and he decided to devote his entire scientific career to fundamental research aimed at understanding how the structural and functional characteristics of living cells are determined by the information encoded in their genes. He was recruited to Fox Chase Cancer Center in 1960, and remained for 40+ years. His key discoveries helped explain how the genetic blueprint is translated into the active cell products—enzymes, antibodies and other proteins—that carry out the cell’s functions. His research achievements were recognized early, leading to his election to the prestigious National Academy of Sciences in 1977. As an Academy member, and his untiring concern for people as well as their cell genetics, he served on the organization's Committee on Human Rights and was one of a three-person delegation that undertook a fact-finding mission to Argentina and Uruguay in 1978. He also took part in a 1987 Scholars Exchange program with the Academy of Sciences of the former Soviet Union.

In addition to his work at Fox Chase, Dr. Perry was a Professor of Biophysics at the University of Pennsylvania and a member of its graduate groups in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. He was frequently a featured lecturer both nationally and internationally, serving Visiting Professorships at the University of Belgrade in 1965, and University of Paris in 1974. He spoke several languages fluently and served in the United States Army Reserves as an Italian interpreter and translator. He served as President of the UNESCO-based International Cell Research Organization, and also received a Docteur Honoris Causa from the University of Paris. Over the past four decades, he served as mentor to over forty graduate students and postdoctoral trainees. And in addition serving as Associate Director of Fox Chase from 1971-1974, he was the first recipient of the Stanley P. Reimann Endowed Chair in Research at Fox Chase Cancer Center in 1994.

He was the son of Robert Palese Perry, Sr. and Gertrude Hyman of Chicago. He is survived by his wife and loving soulmate of 57 years Zoila Perry; their three children – Rocco Perry (Anne Perry), Adele Perry Danziger (David Danziger), and Monique Perry (Frank Rothermel); seven grandchildren – Monique Danziger, Jacqueline Danziger, Victor Rothermel, Dylan Danziger, Gabrielle Rothermel, Maria Perry and Simone Perry; a brother Richard Perry, DMD of Chicago; and countless dear friends here and abroad. He will be most remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. Despite his many academic and scientific achievements, he never lost his common touch, always insisting on being called Bob, never Dr. Perry. He had a natural curiosity, genuine interest and affection for everyone and everything. He loved traveling with his family and opening their eyes and hearts to peoples of all the world, but his most cherished moments were sharing simple times and celebrations with his wife Zoila and their family and friends at their historic Bucks County home. The most gracious of all hosts now departed.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements are private, but a Memorial Service is planned for August 19th 2013; 10 am at Fox Chase Cancer Center.