Dr. Robert M. Moriarty

1933 - 2021

Dr. Robert M. Moriarty, of Michiana Shores, IN (formerly of Oak Park, IL), died suddenly on April 6, 2021. Born October 9, 1933 in New York, NY to parents James and Mary (Cleary) Moriarty. Dr. Moriarty earned a B.S. from Fordham University in 1955 and a PhD in Organic Chemistry from Princeton University in 1959. He went on to complete postdoctoral work at the University of Munich and Harvard University. He was later awarded fellowships from the Fulbright Program, NIH, and NATO. He spent over 40 years teaching and conducting research at the University of Illinois, Chicago, most recently as Professor Emeritus. Dr. Moriarty was a renowned global leader and expert in Iodine Chemistry. He received the 2005 Award for Creative Research and Applications of Iodine Chemistry from the American Chemical Society. His research and publications have been cited thousands of times. An entrepreneur, he founded the pharmaceutical research and development company Steroids, LTD in the 1980s, which was later acquired by United Therapeutics. Bob was a man of many passionate interests. A lifelong athlete, he was an avid squash player and skier. A vintage sportscar enthusiast and driver, he spent many days at GingerMan Raceway in South Haven, MI, where he was a driving instructor. Some of his favorite cars included a 1973 Ferrari Dino, and an "Outlaw" 1959 Porsche 356. A devoted dog owner from the time he rescued a stray in the snow, his beloved companions included Luke, Andy, Barton, Stetson, Austin and Emma. He is survived by his loving wife Mary Moriarty. He is also survived by three children from a previous marriage: daughters Marie Castellano of Murphy, NC, Annika (Scott) Bruggeworth, of Lawrenceburg, KY, and son David Moriarty, of Frankfort, KY, as well as stepdaughters Shelley (John) Rousseau, of Seattle, WA, Jennifer (Jeff) Appenzeller, of Racine, WI, and seven grandchildren. Predeceased by his sister Katherine Harnan of West Nyack, NY, and brother James Moriarty of New York, NY. Memorial service and celebration of life to follow later this year.