John Charles Bilello, 86, passed away peacefully at his Dexter, Michigan home on Aug. 19, with his wife Mary by his side. A retired University of Michigan professor emeritus, Bilello was renowned worldwide as a scientist, author, and dedicated Bible student. His academic and personal pursuits left a lasting impact on many.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, to Italian-American parents Charles and Catherine Bilello, John graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School in 1956. He pursued higher education at NYU, earning a Bachelor’s in Metallurgical Engineering (1960) and a Master’s in Materials Science (1962). Bilello completed his Ph.D. in Materials Science and Physics at the University of Illinois in 1965.
His career began as a research engineer with General Telephone and Electronics before joining the State University of New York at Stony Brook as a faculty member. Over nearly two decades (1967-86), he rose to dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. In 1986, Bilello became the founding dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science at California State University, Fullerton, before shifting to research at U-M.
Bilello was a visiting faculty member at renowned institutions including the Polytechnic University of Milan, Oxford University, and Caltech. After retiring from U-M in 2004, he spent a decade as vice president for research and development at MetaGlass Coatings, LLC. His expertise in high-intensity X-ray (synchrotron radiation) advanced materials characterization, and he authored over 140 technical papers and book chapters.
Beyond academics, Bilello was a modern Renaissance man. He was passionate about model railroads, art, photography, rare cameras, wine, and sports. Traveling extensively with his wife Mary, he embraced cultures worldwide, deepening his insights into spiritual needs. As chairman of the Christadelphian Tidings publishing committee, he conducted Bible studies globally, authoring numerous articles and five books, including “Bible and Science (Design vs Chance).”
In his personal life, John was a devoted family man. He recently celebrated 66 years of marriage with his wife Mary Josephine Gloria. He is survived by his sons Andy (Shelly) of Parkton, Maryland, Peter (Dotti) of Dexter, Matthew of Dexter; grandchildren Sarah Cintron (Charles) of South Lyon, John A. Bilello of Harrisonburg, Virginia, Katie Bilello of Parkton, Maryland, Joshua Bilello of Parkton, Maryland; and 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 or Christadelphian Tidings.
— Submitted by the Bilello family
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