Robert A. Dishman

Robert A. Dishman, Ph.D., of Chatham, MA and Boca Grande, FL, passed away on September 27, 2025, at the age of 81. Born on May 7, 1944, in Miami, FL, to the late Robert and Ann Dishman. Bob spent his early life in Durham, NH, where he graduated from Oyster River High School. He went on to earn a BS in Chemistry from the University of New Hampshire and completed his master’s and PH.D. in analytical Chemistry at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
  One of the first liquid chromatographers under Dr. Sidney Siggia, Bob was an entrepreneur and mentor in the biotech industry, founding or co-founding seven successful companies, including ArQule (acquired by Merck & Co), Tarpon Biosystems (sold to Pall Corporation), BioFlash Partners (sold to Repligen Inc.). His vision and leadership brought innovative technologies to market, advancing the field of biopharmaceutical purification. 
Bob was an avid fisherman who enjoyed fishing for tuna and striped bass in Chatham and tarpon in Boca Grande. Often traveling in pursuit of new fishing adventures, his most treasured memories were trips to the amazon, Papua New Guinea, and sharing more local fishing experiences with his friends and grandchildren. Bob also enjoyed skiing, golfing, and auto racing. 
Bob is survived by his wife of 57 years, Marsha, and their two children: Julia (Neil) Adam of Needham, MA and Jeff Dishman of Arlington, MA. He is also survived by five grandchildren, who brought him immense joy and affectionately referred to as “captain.” 
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Bob’s honor to The MGH Lewy Body Fund. To do so, visit https://giving.massgeneral.org/ and click Donate Now. Check the box under Additional Details: I’d like to designate this gift to a specific program or area and specify: Designation: The MGH Lewy Body Fund in honor of Bob Dishman. 
Memorial services to celebrate Bob’s life will be held at a future date.
“Wherever the sea, is where I’ll be.”
For online condolences, please visit www.NickersonFunerals.com