Pedro Martin Cuatrecasas

Pedro Cuatrecasas, a distinguished biochemist and a resident of La Jolla's White Sands

community for many years, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2025, in La Jolla, surrounded

by his loving family. He was born in Madrid, Spain on September 27, 1936 to Jose and Marta

Cuatrecasas. He married Carol Zies on August 15, 1959.

Born with a brilliant scientific mind, Pedro Cuatrecasas made significant contributions to the

field of biochemistry. His groundbreaking work, notably in the invention and development of

affinity chromatography, revolutionized biomedical research. His achievements earned him

international recognition and awards, including the prestigious Wolf Prize in Medicine in 1987.

His work in the discovery, development and marketing registration of more than forty medicines

has also had a profound impact on the medical community. Information regarding his prolific

career can be found on his Wikipedia page and through other online resources.

Pedro's life extended far beyond the laboratory. He was a man of boundless enthusiasm, finding

joy in a multitude of passions. The water was his playground, where he reveled in boating, water

skiing, windsurfing, and swimming. On land, he pursued his love of golf and snow skiing,

explored the world through travel, and enthusiastically followed nearly every sport, with a

particular fondness for basketball, football, tennis, and golf. Pedro embraced life with a vibrant

spirit of adventure, leaving no moment unlived.

Pedro was a loving and devoted father and grandfather, whose family was the center of his

world. He is survived by his four children: Paul (Jessica) Cuatrecasas, Lisa (Barry) Henderson,

Diane (Randy) Peters, and Julia Kitts, as well as his ten adoring grandchildren, each of whom he

cherished. He also leaves behind his loving sister, Teresa Cuatrecasas Rivera, and many beloved

nieces and nephews. Pedro was predeceased by his cherished wife, Carol, and his brother, Gil.

Pedro lived a life filled with purpose and passion, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of science

and in the hearts of his family and friends.

A celebration of Pedro's life will be held later this summer for close family. In lieu of flowers,

the family requests that donations be made to the Johns Hopkins Center for Drug Safety and

Effectiveness (https://publichealth.jhu.edu/giving) or The Skin Cancer Foundation

(skincancer.org).