TERRE HAUTE - Philip DiLavore III, 92, died July 16, 2023 at Westminster Village, Terre Haute.

He was born April 24, 1931, in Lawrence, Massachusetts, to Philip DiLavore Jr. and Carmela DiDio DiLavore.

Survivors include his loving wife of 70 years, Evelyn Gailey DiLavore; and four children: Santa Kuslan (James) of New York City, Dr. Pamela DiLavore of Chapel Hill, NC, Philip DiLavore IV (Regina) of Bloomington IN, and Teresa Depasse (Kenny) of Terre Haute. Dr. DiLavore had four beloved grandchildren: Kevin Depasse (Emily), Brian Depasse (Molly), Emma DiLavore, and Athena DiLavore; and one great-grandson, Max Depasse. He is also survived by his aunt Ann DiLavore McCook, brother-in-law Dave Rand, sister-in-law Joyce Spradley, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by sister Frances Rand and brother-in-law Billy Spradley.

Phil attended Searles High School in Methuen, Massachusetts, and Young Harris Junior College in Georgia. He received a BS in Biology from Dakota Wesleyan University. After teaching high school math and science and a stint as a medic in the US Army in Germany, he earned an MS in Physics and a PhD in Atomic Physics from the University of Michigan.

At the University of Maryland, Dr. DiLavore served as Assistant Professor of Physics and Secondary Education and as Staff Physicist for the Commission on College Physics, a nationwide effort to improve Physics teaching funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). He was Associate Chair of Physics and Astronomy for two years.

He came to Indiana State University in 1971 as Professor of Physics. He was the National Director of the Tech Physics Project and Editor-in- Chief of the Physics of Technology Modules, an NSF project of 50 physicists working to produce unique materials for teaching physics. He developed innovative physics curricula beyond the traditional scope including a course on physics for nursing students and a course on the physics of musical acoustics.

Dr. DiLavore served as chairperson of the steering committee for the Solar Energy Program, which produced materials to teach undergraduates the technologies of solar energy. At ISU he served as Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs, Director of Institutional Research, Director of Computer Resource Development, and Associate Director for User Services in Academic Computing and Networking Services.

In his final year at ISU, he developed a state-of-the-art computerized physics laboratory, funded by the NSF.

He authored a book, "Energy: Insights from Physics;" a teaching module, "The Bicycle," published by the American Institute of Physics; numerous laboratory manuals and a number of journal articles.

For two years, he taught physics in Shah Alam, Malaysia.

After retirement in 1993 as Emeritus Professor of Physics, Dr. DiLavore worked as a multimedia consultant in the Faculty Computing Resource Center.

Alongside his career, Phil pursued many interests. A lifelong music lover, he was an accomplished violinist in his early years, played guitar and banjo recreationally as an adult, and had a beautiful baritone singing voice. Phil began jogging in the early days of its popularity and was a familiar sight running and later walking around Collett Park.

Throughout his life, he was interested in learning about new ideas, developing new skills and participating in a wide range of activities.

Some of his hobbies included painting, flying airplanes, trout fishing, photography and technology.

A meticulous craftsman, Phil was proud of his basement woodworking shop where he produced beautiful furniture for family members and treasured toys for grandchildren.

Donations to honor Phil may be sent to Hospice of the Wabash Valley, 400 8th Avenue, Terre Haute IN 47804; myhospicevna.org .

Greiner Funeral Home, 2005 North 13th Street, Terre Haute, IN 47804, assisted with arrangements.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

www.greinerfuneralhome.com