John Charles Bilello, age 86, died peacefully at his home in Dexter, Michigan, on Aug. 19 with his loving wife, Mary, by his side. A retired professor emeritus from the University of Michigan, he leaves a unique legacy as a globally-recognized scientist, author and life-long Bible student.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, to first-generation Italian-Americans Charles Bilello and Catherine Bilello, John graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School in 1956. He then earned a Bachelor’s in Metallurgical Engineering (1960), followed by a Master’s in Materials Science (1962) from NYU. He went on to receive a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Physics from the University of Illinois in 1965.

After a brief stint as a research engineer with General Telephone and Electronics, Bilello accepted a faculty position at the State University of New York at Stony Brook. In almost two decades at Stony Brook (1967-86), he advanced from assistant professor to eventually serve as the dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. 

In 1986, he became the founding dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science at the California State University, Fullerton. Bilello left administration behind to focus on his passion for research at U-M in a dual appointment as professor of materials science and engineering and of applied physics. 

During his career, Bilello was a visiting faculty member at the Polytechnic University of Milan, Oxford University and Caltech. Post-retirement from U-M in 2004, he spent 10 years in the private sector as vice president for research and development at MetaGlass Coatings, LLC.

He became an expert in the use of high-intensity X-ray (synchrotron radiation), and other associated techniques, as a tool for non-destructive materials characterization. He studied a wide range of problems in metals, alloys and semiconductors where it is necessary to control the structure-property relationships to improve performance or to create new materials. He authored more than 140 papers in technical journals plus chapters in books.   

Bilello was a modern Renaissance man with a variety of passions. He was an avid model railroad hobbyist, capable artist with both pen and brush, enthusiastic photographer and collector of rare cameras, a wine connoisseur, and invested sports fan. He loved experiencing new countries and cultures. Accompanied by his wife Mary, he traveled the world with opportunities provided by his professional and faith contacts.

Even with his varied interests, Bilello was above all a dedicated Bible student. He served as chairman of the publishing committee for the Christadelphian Tidings, the fraternal magazine of his religious community. His extensive travels gave him insights into the spiritual needs of people from diverse backgrounds. Those experiences prepared him to present Bible studies on five different continents. In recent years, he focused his efforts to author numerous articles and five books, highlighted by “Bible and Science (Design vs Chance).”

In his personal life, John was a devoted family man. He recently celebrated a 66th wedding anniversary with his beloved wife, Mary Josephine Gloria. He is also survived by his son Andy (wife Shelly) of Parkton, Maryland, son Peter (wife Dotti) of Dexter, son Matthew of Dexter; along with his four grandchildren Sarah Cintron (husband Charles) of South Lyon, John A. Bilello of Harrisonburg, Virginia, Katie Bilello of Parkton, Maryland, Joshua Bilello of Parkton, Maryland; and two great-grandchildren Charlee and Samara Cintron of South Lyon.

A celebration of life will be held in September at the Ann Arbor Christadelphian Hall, 5795 Pontiac Trail, Ann Arbor, MI 48105. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to CSUF (give.fullerton.edu/bilello) or the Christadelphian Tidings (tidings.org/donate/).

— Submitted by the Bilello family