Bonnie L. Cook, Inquirer Staff Writer
Posted:
Thursday, May 28, 2015, 1:08 AM
Albert Eugene Filano, 89, of West Chester, a decorated World War II veteran and later a mathematics professor at West Chester University, died Monday, May 18, of respiratory failure at Barclay Friends in West Chester.
Born in Penfield, Pa., he was the son of Italian immigrants James E. and Rosy Ulizio Filano.
He graduated in 1943 from Jay Township High School and went into the Army Air Corps, completing 33 combat missions against the Japanese mainland as a B-29 bombardier and radar navigator.
He was assigned to the famed 881st Bombardment Squadron, 500th Bombardment Group.
Based in the Mariana Islands, the group pounded strategic targets in Japan from high altitudes, according to the Mount Zion Historical Society.
Dr. Filano was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for taking part in the May 26, 1945, bombing of Tokyo that helped to end the war.
He also received the Air Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters and the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal with two Bronze Stars. This article is from wwwphilly.comHe was discharged in November 1945 with the rank of staff sergeant.
Back home, he was hailed as "the hero of air power" by the Mount Zion Historical Society. He rarely spoke of the war until late in life, when he gave an oral history.
After the war, Dr. Filano received his bachelor and master of science degrees from the University of Pennsylvania, his doctorate from Pennsylvania State University.
Dr. Filano spent 35 years at West Chester University; he was a professor and chairman of the mathematics department, director of sciences and mathematics, vice president of academic affairs, and interim president. Later, he was named emeritus vice president for academic affairs, and emeritus professor of mathematics. He secured $1 million in National Science Foundation funds for the school.
Dr. Filano stayed in touch with students, some of whom have gone on to become leaders in education and related 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," his family said. The K-8 books are still in use.
In 2000, the vice presidential headquarters building where he and his staff worked was renamed Albert E. Filano Hall.
In retirement, Dr. Filano was a consultant on science matters to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and a volunteer at West Chester University.
He enjoyed trips to Dairy Queen and summers at the Jersey Shore with family. He also loved trout fishing and puttering in his vegetable garden.
He is survived by daughters Kathleen Santora, Susan Cobb, and Donna Burgess; a son, A. David; and eight grandchildren. His wife, Mary Rita Scull, two brothers, and a sister died earlier.
A visitation will be from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, May 28, at the DellaVecchia, Reilly, Smith Boyd Funeral Home, 410 N. Church St., West Chester. A Funeral Mass is to be at 10 a.m. Friday, May 29, at St. Agnes Church, 233 W. Gay St., West Chester, with burial in St. Agnes Cemetery.
Donations may be made to the Dr. and Mrs. Albert E. Filano Mathematics Scholarship Fund, c/o West Chester University, P.O. Box 541, West Chester, Pa. 19381.
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