Obituary: Robert J. Schiavone, Cofounder of PolyTech Resources

Schiavone, 70, was also the founder of specialty food company Nonni Schiavone Foods.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Robert J. Schiavone, a longtime chemical industry executive and entrepreneur, has passed away at the age of 70. Schiavone co-founded and served as vice president of PolyTech Resources for over two decades, and later founded the specialty food company Nonni Schiavone Foods, where he thrived in creating new products and engaging with the local community.

Why it matters

Schiavone's passing marks the end of an era for PolyTech Resources, a company he helped build over many years. His entrepreneurial spirit and passion for both the chemical industry and local food production left a lasting impact on his community.

The details

During his career, Schiavone was granted numerous patents and spent over 20 years as a co-founder and vice president of PolyTech Resources. In his later years, he pursued his lifelong gardening hobby, which led him to found Nonni Schiavone Foods, a specialty food company where he created new products and engaged with the local community at farmers' markets and regional events.

  • Schiavone passed away on December 14, 2025.
  • He co-founded PolyTech Resources and served as vice president for over 2 decades.

The players

Robert J. Schiavone

A 70-year-old chemical industry executive and entrepreneur who co-founded PolyTech Resources and later founded the specialty food company Nonni Schiavone Foods.

Debra Schiavone

The wife of Robert J. Schiavone.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Bob had been granted numerous patents over the course of his career and spent over 2 decades as a cofounder and vice president of Polytech Resources. His lifelong gardening hobby eventually resulted in the formation of Nonni Schiavone Foods, a specialty food company. There, he thrived, creating new products and embracing community at local farmers' markets and regional events.”

— Debra Schiavone, Wife (Chemical & Engineering News)

The takeaway

Schiavone's career and entrepreneurial spirit spanned both the chemical industry and the local food community, showcasing his diverse talents and passions. His passing is a loss for the industries and communities he touched over his decades-long career.