Dr. Albert Eugene Filano

Dr. Albert Eugene Filano, 89, of West Chester, passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday, May 18, 2015 at Barclay Friends in West Chester.

Born on August 17, 1925 in Penfield, Albert was the son of the late James E. and the late Rosy Ulizio Filano.  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Mary Rita, and siblings, Mary Filano, Adolph Filano, and Arthur Filano.

Dr. Albert E. Filano served in the Army Air Corps during World War II and completed 33 combat missions against the Japanese mainland as a B-29 Aerial Gunner and Radar Bombardier Navigator.  He was awarded the Air Medal with 3 oak leaf clusters and the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Following the war, Al received his Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and his Ph.D. from Pennsylvania State University.

The majority of his professional career was spent at West Chester University.  During Al’s more than 35 year tenure at WCU, he was a Professor and Chairman of the Mathematics Department, Director of Sciences and Mathematics, Vice President of Academic Affairs, Interim President, Faculty Advisor to the Newman Center, member of the Board of Directors of the Swope Scholarship Foundation, Emeritus Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Emeritus Professor of Mathematics. Al also secured $1,000,000 in funded grants for WCU from the National Sciences Foundation and was a WCU President’s Medallion for Service recipient.  

 Al and his students became lifelong friends and continued to keep in touch to the end.  Many have gone on to teach mathematics across the United States and throughout the world.  Some have become leaders in the field, as teachers, administrators, members and officers of the various mathematics professional societies. 

Not only did Dr. Filano impact the lives of his many students and fellow faculty, he also authored five workbook-textbook series in mathematics (K-8), of which the latest addition continues in use throughout the country today.  

Following his retirement, Al served as a consultant to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives as a resident visiting scientist, and continued to volunteer on a regular basis at WCU.

Among Al’s community involvement, volunteer activities and accomplishments, he served as President of West Chester Rotary Club, West Side Little League Baseball, Board Member of the West Chester Area Senior Center and member of the Order of Sons of Italy in America.  Al was a man of faith and very dedicated to St. Agnes Church in West Chester.

In the year 2000, Dr. Filano received special recognition from West Chester University naming a campus administrative building in his honor.  In recognition of his strong leadership, model teaching, inspiration, and the major contributions he made to the development of West Chester State College into West Chester University, the Vice-Presidential headquarters building, where he and his staff served, was renamed Albert E. Filano Hall.

Of all of the things that Al participated in during his rich life, he was most fulfilled when he was spending time with his dear wife, Rita, and his family.  Seventh grade Latin class sweethearts, Al and Rita built a life around family.  Trips to Dairy Queen, summers at the Jersey Shore enjoying the beach and playing mini-golf on the boardwalk were among the favorite family activities. His grandchildren always looked forward to his tall-tales, including stories of helping Santa Claus and George Washington.  Many hours were also spent trout fishing in local streams and nurturing his vegetable garden.   

Al will be deeply missed by his four children, Kathleen Santora (Mark) of Los Altos Hills, CA, Susan Cobb (Bruce) of Unionville, A. David Filano (Leslie) of Downingtown and Donna Burgess (Scott) of West Chester; and his eight grandchildren, Jennifer Cobb Groveman (Ben), Kevin Santora, Michael Filano, Evan Cobb, Kristen Santora, Nicholas Filano, Brian Filano and Christopher Burgess.

We are forever grateful to Rose Sasso, who cared for Al like family. We would also like to express our heartfelt appreciation to Al’s caregivers at Barclay Friends.

You are invited to visit with Al’s family and friends from 6:30-9:00pm on Thursday, May 28, 2015 at the DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith & Boyd Funeral Home, Inc. 410 North Church Street West Chester, PA 19380, 610-696-1181, www.DellaFH.com.  

Please join us in celebrating Al’s life in a funeral mass at St. Agnes Church, 233 West Gay Street, West Chester, PA  19380 at 10:00 am on Friday, May 29, 2015.

Interment will be held at St. Agnes Cemetery in West Chester immediately following the funeral services.

I lieu of flowers, contributnions may be made to the Dr. and Mrs. Albert E. Filano Mathematics Scholarship Fund, c/o WCU Foundation, P.O. Box 541 West Chester, PA 19381 and/or to the Activity Fund at Barclay Friends 700 N. Franklin Street, West Chester, PA 19380 in memory of Al’s name.

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