The Falling Asleep of Bro. John Bilello

Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways.

Blessed is every one that feareth the LORD; that walketh in his ways. For thou shalt eat the labour of thine hands: Happy shalt thou be, and it shall be well with thee. Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the sides of thine house: thy children like olive plants round about thy table. Behold, that thus shall the man be blessed that feareth the LORD. (Psalm 128:1-4).

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On August 19, Bro. John Bilello fell asleep peacefully in the Lord at 86 years old. He had been diagnosed with an aggressive brain tumor only a few weeks earlier. The LORD was gracious in allowing him to be with his family at home under hospice care. Our deepest condolences and prayers for God’s comfort go out to his loving wife, Sis. Mary. John was able to share with her their 66th wedding anniversary on August 1, and Sis. Mary’s birthday was two days before he fell asleep. Our prayers also go out to the entire Bilello family: sons Bro. Andy (wife Sis. Shelly), Bro. Peter (wife Sis. Dotti), Bro. Matt, as well as John and Mary’s four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

John was a member of ecclesias from New York to California, and lastly with the Ann Arbor Ecclesia in Michigan. On multiple occasions, he lived overseas and was a member of ecclesias in the UK. These experiences gave him great insight into the spiritual needs of brothers and sisters of diverse backgrounds. All this helped to equip him in his contributions to the Christadelphian Tidings Magazine, and in sharing the word by teaching at multiple Bible Schools across North America, and leading studies in Australia, the UK, New Zealand, China, and South Africa.

John was the first chairperson of the Tidings Committee. He provided steady leadership and counsel to the committee and editorial team for over thirty years, as many topics needed spiritual wisdom based on a sound understanding of Godly principles. John has shared similar counsel through many articles and authored several books to benefit the community. John worked tirelessly to help build the faith of brothers and sisters in Christ.

John was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., to first-generation Italian Americans, Bro. Charles and Sis. Catherine Bilello (Buonadonna). Thanks to his multiple God-given talents, he had a long and notable professional career. He graduated from Brooklyn Technical High School in 1956, then attended New York University (NYU). At NYU, he earned a bachelor’s in metallurgical engineering in 1960, followed by a Master’s in Materials Science in 1962. He received a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Physics from the University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana) in 1965. He spent nearly two decades in a faculty position at the State University of New York at Stony Brook, later serving 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. Leaving administration behind, he joined the University of Michigan in a dual appointment as Professor of Materials Science and Engineering and Applied Physics. After retiring from the University of Michigan in 2004, he worked in the private sector as Vice President for Research and Development at MetaGlass Coatings, LLC. As a scientist, John developed a reputation as an expert in using high-intensity X-ray (synchrotron radiation) diffraction imaging, microdiffraction, grazing angle incidence scattering, and other associated techniques to characterize non-destructive materials. 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.

John has demonstrated a work ethic that is worthy of note throughout his life. He lived the principles conveyed in these passages:

John will be greatly missed by me personally and by many brothers and sisters around the world who he touched and helped through his ministry. We pray his sleep will be short: “Even so, come Lord Jesus.”

Alan Markwith,
Chairman,
Christadelphian Tidings
Publishing Committee