Robert V. Decareau

Robert Vincent Decareau (May 26, 1926 – January 18, 2009) was an American food scientist who was involved in the development of microwave applications in food technology, specifically technology that would lead to the development of the microwave oven. He also served in the United States Navy during World War II and in the United States Army during the Korean War. Decareau also was charter member of Phi Tau Sigma while pursuing his Ph.D. at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Early life Decareau was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, but lived in the Arlington and Burlington areas. Decareau's wife, Rosa, commented that a lot of work on the microwave oven was done at their home. During his career, Decareau was one of the first people to refer to himself as a food scientist.

Microwave consulting and support Decareau authored nine books on microwave power, including Microwave Processing and Engineering and Microwaves in the Food Processing Industry. Decareau also received a fellowship from IMPI. His colleagues at Natick would refer to him as "Mr. Microwave" for his numerous research studies in the field. The memorial service was held on January 22, 2009, in Milford.