William Dean Fuller's Obituary
William “Bill” Dean Fuller passed away peacefully after a short battle with acute myeloid leukemia on December 17, 2025, surrounded by family. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, scientist, fisherman, and friend, whose skill, resourcefulness, and technical ability defined every chapter of his life.
Bill enjoyed a distinguished scientific career spanning more than five decades in organic and peptide chemistry. After Graduating from San Diego State University in 1969, he immediately began his career making lasting contributions to peptide synthesis, taste receptor research, and pharmaceutical development. Work which helped advance treatments for prostate cancer and multiple peptide derived therapeutics. He was also the inventor or collaborator on dozens of patents. Throughout his career he held many senior leadership roles, including Research Director, Director and CEO at several biotechnology and chemical research organizations in San Diego. He was widely respected for his technical insight, creativity, and tenacity, and his work continues to influence peptide chemistry and pharmaceutical manufacturing worldwide.
After retiring, Bill turned his energy to fishing, spending countless days aboard his beloved boat Audax which he acquired in 1991, fishing offshore and along the coast of San Diego. When he wasn’t on the water, he could often be found around the docks helping many friends with boat projects or just talking fish stories. When not on the water he spent his days working around the house, finding ways to make his truck faster, or walking the neighborhood with his wife of 54 years, Diane.
Bill was immensely proud of his family, especially his grandsons. He followed closely the path of Will Bias, who will graduate from California Maritime Academy in 2026, and loved watching Hayden Fuller, currently in eighth grade, grow as an athlete. He took immense pride in teaching both grandsons how to fish. Few things brought him more satisfaction than watching the next generation find their way, be it fishing, sport, or academically.
Bill is survived by his wife Diane; his son, Daniel Fuller; his daughter, Jennifer Fuller; and his two grandsons, Will Bias (21) and Hayden Fuller (14).
He will be remembered for his sharp mind, outside the box thinking, generosity with his time and knowledge, and the quiet confidence with which he approached both science and life. His legacy lives on in his family, his work, and the many people he helped along the way.
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