David Ross Dilley Ph.D

David Dilley, loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away September 15, 2015, at the age of 81. He was born on March 10, 1934 in South Haven, Michigan to Varnum and Marion Dilley. He grew up on a fruit farm in Lacota, Michigan that led to his passion for teaching and research focused on inventing tools and technology for the fruit industry. David was preceded in death by his parents, his stepmother Ann Dilley, sister Barbara Moritz, and his high school sweetheart and loving wife of 56 years, Marion. He is survived by his daughters, Cathy (Craig) Lazar of Okemos; Jane (Rick) Greene of Fort Pierce, Florida; and Brenda (Tom) Mahoney of Denver, Colorado; seven grandchildren, Stephanie, Marie, and Ross Lazar, David and Robert Greene, Matthew and Ryan Mahoney; brother Richard (Jan) Dilley of West Lafayette, Indiana; sisters Linda Dilley of Colorado Springs, CO and Jacki (Peter Beyer) Dilley of Ann Arbor, MI; many nieces, nephews, and other beloved family and friends. Dr. David R. Dilley received his BS degree in Agriculture/Horticulture at Michigan State College in 1955, his MS degree in Horticulture at Michigan State University in 1957, and his PhD in Plant Physiology/Horticulture at North Carolina State College in 1960. He joined the MSU faculty in 1960 and retired as a Professor of Horticulture after 44 years. As a result of his outstanding efforts in the classroom and as a graduate advisor, many of his students, postdoctoral associates, and visiting scholars have become leaders in the field all over the world. He was the recipient of many awards including the Distinguished Graduate Teaching Award from the American Society for Horticultural Science, the MSU Distinguished Faculty Award, the Michigan State Horticultural Society Distinguished Service award, and the Fruit Man of the Year Award.

Dave was one of the world's leading scientists in the investigation of the biological processes taking place in fruits and vegetables following harvest and in the development of innovations to preserve their quality and value. He was instrumental in bringing controlled atmosphere storage to the Michigan apple industry and ensuring the industry's competitive position. Even eight years after his retirement he published a major paper on the ethylene formation pathway.

He was an avid fisherman and especially enjoyed fly fishing the streams of Michigan, Colorado, Canada, and Alaska. Dave savored summers and sunsets at their Lake Michigan home and fishing with his buddies out on the lake. He also enjoyed reading scientific journals, playing cribbage and supporting his MSU Spartans! His greatest joy was spending time with Marion and his girls and their families. Family and friends will remember Dave for his sense of humor, generosity, and as a great storyteller. He was an active member of the Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity and a member of the University Lutheran Church.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm Sunday, September 20th at University Lutheran Church, 1020 S. Harrison in East Lansing, MI 48823. The family will receive friends at 1:00 pm prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Michigan State University Advancement designated for the David and Marion Dilley Endowed Scholarship and Research Fund at MSU, 535 Chestnut Road, Room 300, East Lansing, MI 48824.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, 1730 East Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI 48823.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.greastlansing.com