David George Rilett

DAVID G. RILETT, a dedicated professor, talented musician and beloved husband, passed away peacefully at Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Newton, MA on Thursday, July 10, 2025. He was 78.

Born in MICHIGAN, David graduated from Northwestern Community High School in Flint, Michigan (1965); excelled in SCIENCE (“Superior” Science Awards (3 years) and MUSIC (Chosen as Master Drum Major) with a high IQ.

David is the son of the late John E. Rilett and Lily May Rilett (Williams), both from Michigan, and brother of the late Jon K. Rilett. He leaves his nephew, Kent D. Rilett and his wife and family; and many of his relatives in Michigan, along with his devoted wife of 25 years, Arlene T. Rilett, of Newton, MA.

David graduated from four universities and one college between 1969-2012:

UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN, MI, "Bachelor of Arts Degree" (1969)

CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY, MI, "Master of Arts Degree"(1972)

BAKER COLLEGE, MI, "CNA: Certified NOVELL Administrator" (1998) "Certificate UNIX Systems Technology" (Summa Cum Laude GPA 3.90) (1998)

BRANDEIS UNIVERSITY, MA "Master of Software Engineering Degree" (Summa Cum Laude GPA 3.74) (2003) "Graduate Certificate in Bioinformatics" (2007)

STANFORD UNIVERSITY, CA "Advanced Computer Security Certificate" (2012)

David was an avid reader of history, literature, philosophy, a proficient writer of poetry and later became interested in Computer Science. In 1967, he joined the AMERICAN FEDERATION OF MUSICIANS (AFM) as a loyal, life-time member of 55 years (1967-2025). In 1980, David received a 2nd Level MICHIGAN TEACHERS CERTIFICATE (later renewed).

THREE CAREERS: Well-suited for David's "intelligence" and "creative mind":

FIRST: As MUSICIAN, it all began at his HOME STUDIO, FLint, MI (1955-1998). David had "early" private music lessons that provided a firm foundation in musicology and performance skills as a pianist/keyboardist/organist etc.

After organizing high school bands, he later performed with established musicians like the (late) WILLIE GEORGE BAND (Jazz) and the (late) FRANK TAMBURRINO'S ORCHESTRA (Big-Band/Swing) of Michigan.

When David moved to MASS (1998), he continued to perform with local groups; created some CD piano demos of "20th Century Vintage Music" and continued to retain his AFM membership.

SECOND: As INSTRUCTOR, David, hired at BAKER COLLEGE, Flint, MI (1986-1998). David instructed students in general business classes: Composition, Technical Writing, Business Communications, and Pioneered teaching on "remote sites" via video conferencing and Internet.

His achievements (Computer Certifications) while an instructor included:

The "CNA: Certified NOVELL Administrator" (1998) that qualified him to train students for the NOVELL CNA EXAM and the "Certificate in UNIX Systems Technology" (GPA 3.90) (1998) that qualified him to "troubleshoot" issues in computer systems. (1999-2004)

An example of David's expertise included the NASH PROGRAM at Hanscom AFB, Bedford, MA... (briefly described in his W.I.T. resume (2004):

"As a "systems analyst" (David) did a complete hardware and software "upgrade" for the NASH PROGRAM and prevented any breaches of security or virus/worm damage during (his) term, saving the program a significant amount of money while protecting the military secrecy." (1999-2000)

Another example included the DISCOVERY INFORMATION SYSTEMS at Astrazeneca. (R&D, Boston) Waltham, MA (again briefly described):

"As a UNIX "consultant", (David) managed company-wide "backups" in the Waltham data center with "no" data loss, thus protecting millions of dollars worth of research for the corporation. The systems and backup applications, (David) created and authored."(2000-2001)

As an instructor, David spent "extra time" helping students; he was always involved in college committees and extra activities and always received "very good" student evaluations. He also received from BAKER COLLEGE a "10 YEARS OF LOYAL SERVICE AWARD"(1996).

THIRD: as PROFESSOR, David, hired at WENTWORTH INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (W.I.T.) Boston, MASS (2005-2017)

David taught students Computer Science classes and developed a course within W.I.T. As a dedicated professor, David took tremendous pride in developing a "multidisciplinary minor" in BIOINFORMATICS for Fall 2013 at W.I.T. that covered: WEB SECURITY, WINDOW PROGRAMMING, INTRO TO BIOINFORMATICS, and SOFTWARE TESTING.

David belonged to affiliations and memberships before and while at W.I.T. such as:

A "Member" of the AMERICAN FEDERATION OF MUSICIANS (AFM) (1967-2025)

A "Board Member" of the SECRETARY GENESSEE FREE-NET GNF.ORG (1995-1998)

A "Judge" of the MASS STATE H.S. SCIENCE & ENGINEERING (2015)

A "Member" of the BIOINFORMATICS.ORG (2002-2013)

Positive comments were made ONLINE (Linkedin, 2025) that "Professor Rilett has a vast array of knowledge in programming & many languages. He is helpful and kind...patient, supportive, and available. He always delivers solid and effective education in the classroom."

During his time as a professor at W.I.T., David received a "5 YEAR CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION" (2010) and a "10 YEAR CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION" (2015) for dedicated services to the Wentworth Community.

A private service was held at NEWTON CEMETERY by LEVINE CHAPELS, Brookline, MA on July 16, 2025. Prayers were followed by "two solo piano performances" from one of David's CD as a tribute honoring his life-long career as a MUSICIAN and his 24 years of teaching as a College Instructor and University Professor.

MAY "OUR BELOVED DAVID ” BE BEST REMEMBERED BY A POPULAR SONG OF THE PAST TITLED: "THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES."

In memory of DAVID G. RILETT, donations may be sent to the renowned Cancer Center: DANA FARBER CANCER CENTER, 450 Brookline Avenue, Suite 120, Boston, MA 02215 or www.danafarber.org/donate .