Charles Pidacks

Charles Pidacks, 92, of Ashland, MA; passed away Sept. 24, 2011 at Metrowest Medical Center in Framingham, MA. He was born Feb. 18, 1919 in Rumford, ME; the son of the late Stanley and Stella (Urbanitis) Pidacks. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Sylvia Janet (Belden) Pidacks of Ashland, MA. In addition to his wife, he is survived by four children: Janet Underwood of Franklin, WV; Charles Pidacks and his wife Cindy of Marlboro, MA; James Pidacks and his wife Judy of Winchester, MA; and Debbie Paton and her husband Jim of Carmel, ME; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Mr. Pidacks graduated from the University of Maine in 1944 and went to work at Lederle Laboratories, where he helped isolate and crystallize the drug aureomycin, from which tetracyclines are derived. Later he worked for Corning Glass and then moved in 1971 to Waters Associates of Milford, MA. At Waters, Mr. Pidacks developed the first line of separation and purification tools tailored to pharmaceuticals. He headed a team of chemists dedicated to the analysis of drugs and medicines. Mr. Pidacks also traveled worldwide teaching techniques and speaking at conferences. After retiring from Waters he received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual Land O Lakes Pharmaceutical Analysis Conference. Mr. Pidacks was a serious photographer and dedicated rockhound. He and Mrs. Pidacks gardened extensively. In his later years Mr. Pidacks took up woodturning and made many fine pieces. A memorial service will be celebrated Saturday, Oct. 1st at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of the Matarese Funeral Home, 325 Main St. in Ashland. There are no calling hours. www.mataresefuneral.com