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Robert Pearlman Obituary
Robert S. Pearlman, 73, born Columbus, Ohio, found freedom from a long battle with dementia on April 8, 2021. He was the Coulter R. Sublett Chair Emeritus in Pharmacy at The University of Texas at Austin where, in 1987, he was awarded the Teaching Excellence Award. Dr. Pearlman received his B.S. degree in Chemistry from the University of Illinois, his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the University of Michigan, and completed postdoctoral work at the University of Wisconsin.
Bob was the founding director of the Laboratory for Molecular Graphics and Theoretical Modeling where his research on the topic of computer-assisted drug discovery produced software that was in use for improving the efficiency of the drug discovery process at every major pharmaceutical company in the world and hundreds of other research sites. In 2003, he founded Optive Research in order to better serve this large user-base and provide a more sustainable software development infrastructure. In 2007, his outstanding contributions to the theory and practice of chemical information science was awarded the American Chemical Society's Herman Skolnik Award.
In addition to his dedication to his science, Bob was a devoted father, grandfather, brother and husband. His joy in sharing his vast knowledge of the physical world with his descendants instilled in them a lifelong love of learning. He was an avid craftsman whose passion for woodworking and furniture-making will leave a lasting legacy. Bob is survived by his loving daughter and son-in-law, Kerry and Duncan Van Dusen, loyal granddaughters, Kate and Judith, dedicated wife, Rita, and six adoring siblings.
At Dr. Pearlman's request, there will be no memorial service. He will be interred in Fairmount Cemetery in Denver, CO. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzheimer's Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Pearlman
Thom Isbon
February 4, 2024
For some reason I woke up this morning, after 25 years, thinking about how Dr. Pearlman would throw the eraser at anyone that wasn´t paying attention in lecture and then laugh with the rest of the class. I´m so sorry to see that he is gone. May he continue to live on in the memories of those that loved him.
Andrew Rusinko, Ph.D.
July 14, 2023
Bob was a great professor and was more than just my "academic father." He was an inspiration to us all. I was proud to be the first of his graduate students to earn a PhD.
Jerry(Jay) morgan
October 10, 2021
Dr pearlman was a wonderful professor I knew as a student in the 80´s. I hope we will meet again.
Shannon Vincent
April 25, 2021
I enjoyed our talks at work. Very kind person. Rest in peace.
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Laura Powell
April 18, 2021
I am so, so sorry for your loss. Bob was a wonderful neighbor who was ALWAYS willing to lend a helping hand. We will miss him on Trianon Lane. Sending you lots of love.
Laura
Jens & Suzie
April 18, 2021
Bob was a client of mine while he taught at the University of Texas. He was highly intelligent, funny and creative. Many times during our meetings we would find connections in our passion for cooking and the love of our spouses. Rita was always mentioned during our discussions. We would often meet for "Posh" lunches at the Four Seasons and Granite Hill Cafe/Fino's to name a couple. We would share recipes to cook for our families. He gave me pointers on Asian food and working with a Wok. He was a humble man. The founding of Optive Research was one of his many crowns he wore. He always gave credit to the University and others in the creation of Optive and took little for himself when we discussed his company. His humor was dry and witty. He had a sense of self-depreciation which put one at ease. I still chuckle when I think of the time he ran out of petrol on the way to my office. He called to let me know he was going to be late since he just had a Mr. Magoo moment by misreading his petrol gauge in his stalwart old school Lexus. That mischievous smile he had when I met up with him, put everything right. I liked to visit him when I was in the Pharmacy Building on campus, even if we were not scheduled to meet. His office was a cornucopia of stuff from a long storied successful career. He had a great story attached to each piece that filled the book cases and shelves. It was a true pleasure to work with him for many years and I wish Rita and his extended family my deepest condolences during this difficult time.
Leslie Hamilton
April 13, 2021
Best big brother ever. I love you.
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