John Charles Bilello

August 19, 2025

John Charles Bilello, age 86, passed away peacefully at his home in Dexter, Mich. with his loving wife, Mary, and other family members by his side. He leaves a unique legacy as a globally-recognized scientist and extensively published researcher. Retiring from the University of Michigan as a professor emeritus, Bilello was also a life-long Bible student and author.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y. to first-generation Italian-Americans Charles Bilello and Catherine Bilello (Buonadonna). John graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School in 1956 and then attended New York University. At NYU he earned a Bachelor’s in Metallurgical Engineering in 1960 and followed with a Master’s in Materials Science in 1962. He went on to receive a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Physics from the University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana), 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 (1967-1986), he advanced from Assistant Professor of Materials Science 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 (CSUF). Bilello left administration behind to focus on his passion for research at the University of Michigan in a dual appointment as Professor of Materials Science and Engineering and Professor of Applied Physics. Over his academic career, Bilello sent many summers and sabbaticals at other institutions, including the Polytechnic University of Milan, University College, Oxford and Caltech. After retiring from the University of Michigan in 2004 to work for another 10 years in the private sector as Vice President for Research and Development at MetaGlass Coatings, LLC.

As a scientist, Bilello developed a reputation as an expert in the use of high-intensity x-ray (synchrotron radiation) diffraction imaging, microdiffraction, grazing angle incidence scattering 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 achieve improved performance or to create new materials. He authored more than 140 papers in technical journals plus chapters in books.

In many ways, Bilello was a modern Renaissance man with passions in areas beyond his scientific expertise. He was an avid model railroad hobbyist, a capable artist with both pen and brush, an enthusiastic photographer and a collector of rare cameras, a wine connoisseur, and an invested sports fan of the Michigan Wolverines, New York Jets, New York Yankees and Golden State Warriors. He loved experiencing new countries and cultures. Accompanied by his wife Mary, he traveled extensively as his professional and faith community contacts often provided opportunities to explore the world.

However, even with his varied skills and interests, Bilello was, first and foremost, a dedicated Bible student. He notably served as the Chairman of the publishing committee for the Christadelphian Tidings the fraternal magazine of his religious community. Throughout his life, he was a member of Christadelphian congregations in North America from New York to California, and for many years in Michigan. He gained insight into the spiritual needs of people from diverse backgrounds during his many travels around the globe. Those experiences prepared him to teach at multiple Bible Schools across North America and share studies with fellow believers in Australia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, China and South Africa. In recent years, he focused his Bible studies to write numerous articles, as well as authored five books: Bible and Science (Design vs Chance), Parables, Miracles, Bible Guidelines for a Happy Marriage and Little Words.

In his personal life, John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. 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, Md., son Peter (wife Dotti) of Dexter, Mich., son Matthew of Dexter, Mich.; along with his four grandchildren Sarah Cintron (husband Charles) of South Lyon, Mich., John A. Bilello of Harrisonburg, Va., Katie Bilello of Parkton, Md., Joshua Bilello of Parkton, Md., and two great-grandchildren Charlee and Samara Cintron of South Lyon, Mich.

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