Show-Me State Times

William S. Sly, M.D., a prominent figure in the field of biochemistry and molecular biology, passed away on May 31, 2025, at the age of 92. A professor emeritus at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Dr. Sly was renowned for his contributions to medical science, particularly for identifying and developing treatments for mucopolysaccharidosis type VII (MPS-VII), commonly known as Sly syndrome.

Dr. Sly was born on October 19, 1932, in East St. Louis, Illinois. He completed his undergraduate studies at Saint Louis University in 1953 and obtained his medical degree from the same institution's School of Medicine in 1957. His career included training in internal medicine at Washington University in St. Louis and research stints at the National Institutes of Health and institutions abroad.

In 1964, Dr. Sly began his academic career at Washington University where he led the division of medical genetics for two decades before returning to Saint Louis University in 1984 as chairman of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

“Bill defined us as ‘the BMB family,' through his leadership, integrity and scientific excellence,” said Enrico Di Cera, M.D., current chairperson of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

Dr. Sly's work extended beyond academia into forensic science when he contributed to overturning a wrongful conviction featured on “Unsolved Mysteries.” His analysis revealed that symptoms attributed to poisoning were consistent with an inherited metabolic disorder.

His accolades include membership in the National Academy of Sciences and numerous awards such as the Passano Award (1991), Coriell Medal (1999), Peter H. Raven Lifetime Achievement Award from the Academy of Science of Saint Louis, Distinguished Scientist Award from the Clinical Ligand Assay Society, Life for MPS award (2010), and Association of American Medical Colleges' Award for Distinguished Research in Biomedical Sciences (2011).

Dr. Sly authored over 350 peer-reviewed articles and coauthored "The Molecular and Metabolic Bases of Inherited Disease." In recognition of his impact on education and mentorship, a $1 million donation by Abdul Waheed established the William S. Sly Centennial Chair at SLU’s Department of Biochemistry.

“When I came to SLU, Dr. Sly became a trusted mentor,” Waheed stated regarding his contribution.

Dr. Sly is survived by his wife Peggy; their seven children; twenty-six grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Contributions can be made to The William S. Sly MD Centennial Chair fund or National MPS Society as per family requests.

Visitation will occur on June 28 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church followed by a memorial Mass.