Sep 18, 2015
Obituary: David Dilley

David Ross Dilley died Sept. 15 at the age of 81.

He was born 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, Colorado, and Jacki (Peter Beyer) Dilley of Ann Arbor, Michigan; many nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

David received his bachelor’s degree in agriculture/horticulture at Michigan State College in 1955, his master’s degree in horticulture at Michigan State University in 1957, and his Ph.D. 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 adviser, 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.

David 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.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at University Lutheran Church, 1020 S. Harrison in East Lansing, MI 48823. The family will receive friends at 1 p.m. 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.




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