Richard Niles
May 8, 1946 ~ May 1, 2026
Born in:
Somerville, Massachusetts
Resided in:
Portland, ME
Dr. Richard (Dick) M. Niles, 79, of Portland, Maine, a distinguished biomedical scientist, educator, and academic leader, was called home to the Lord on May 1, 2026.
He was born on May 8, 1946, in Somerville, Massachusetts to Thomas and Dorothy Niles (Bigness) and obtained multiple academic degrees, including a BA in Biology and Chemistry from Rhode Island College, an MS in Botany from the University of New Hampshire, and a Ph.D. in Pathology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
After serving many years as a Professor of Biochemistry at Boston University, he began his impactful 22-year career at Marshall University’s Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. where he was a professor and chair of the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology. Over the course of his tenure from 1992 until his retirement in 2014 with Professor Emeritus status, he also held several senior leadership roles, including Senior Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education and Vice Dean for Biomedical Sciences. In these capacities, he played a central role in building and strengthening the school’s research enterprise and graduate training programs.
A respected scientist in the field of cancer biology, he devoted his research to understanding the development and progression of melanoma. His work explored the influence of nutritional and biochemical factors—including vitamin A derivatives and naturally occurring dietary compounds—on cancer cell growth. He also contributed important insights into the molecular mechanisms that allow tumors to grow and resist treatment. Over the course of his career, he authored more than 80 scientific publications and served on numerous national review panels, including for the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense.
In addition to his academic work, he helped translate scientific discovery into practical innovation in 2006 by co-founding Progenesis Technologies, a biotechnology company focused on developing novel biomedical materials, and was an inventor on multiple patents.
He received numerous honors recognizing his contributions to science and academia, including Marshall University’s Distinguished Artists and Scholars Award, and Sigma Xi Researcher of the Year. He was also recognized nationally and internationally for his work in biomedical sciences.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, he is remembered as a dedicated mentor, colleague, and leader whose influence extended across generations of students and researchers. In recognition of his lasting contributions, Marshall University established The Richard M. Niles, Ph.D., Endowment to provide enduring support to graduate education and research.
Beyond his dedicated service to research, education and scholarship, Richard will be remembered for his love of cooking, good beer and fine wine, and his love of both Marshall University football and New England sports teams. Additionally, Richard had a generous spirit and established a legacy of giving through philanthropic donations to his church Our Lady of Hope Parish, where he served on the Parish Council and worked with the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA). In addition, he donated to educational organizations and Doctors Without Borders – giving that will continue long after his passing.
Richard is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Elaine, his two proud sons, Keith and Scott and his daughter-in-law Misty.
Richard’s legacy lives on through the many scientists he trained, the research programs he helped build, the lasting impact of his contributions to biomedical science, and the countless individuals he supported through his charitable efforts.
Richard’s Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 11:00 AM in St. Pius X Church, 492 Ocean Ave, Portland. His burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Portland, on Friday, May 8, 2026, at 2:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that gifts be made to the Richard M. Niles, Ph.D. Endowment. Online contributions may be made at https://give.marshall.edu/project/31785/donate?des_id=228825 and checks may be payable to MU Foundation and mailed to Linda Holmes, Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, 1600 Medical Center Drive, Huntington, WV 25701.
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I have such fond memories or Dr. (Mr.) Niles from his years on Woodsbury Rd. I can still picture him stretching on the street after a long run or seeing him and Mrs. Niles enjoying a quiet drink while listening to Dionne Warick or Air Supply – two artist I’ve grown to appreciate over the years. I think I last saw him when he and Mrs. Niles and Keith visited Cape Cod on vacation at least 20 years ago. They were as kind and full of good humor then as I remembered from my youth. I always knew he was “wicked smaht” but that resume of career accomplishments was even more impressive than I ever could have imagined. I pray for Mrs. Niles, Keith and Scott as they mourn his passing. As a man of faith, I know that Dr. Niles would agree that he is now in a better than the rest of us are, especially in these turbulent times. May he rest in God’s eternal peace!
Elaine, Scott and Keith,
So sorry to hear about Dick’s passing. He was my department Chair for many years at Marshall, always generous with his time, an excellent leader. May he rest in peace.