Alfred A. Silano

Alfred A. Silano, who dedicated more than 60 years as a teacher and scientific researcher including 30 years with the University of Arkansas, died peacefully in his sleep July 29 at the Arkansas State Veterans Home at Fayetteville with family in attendance. He was 94. Living by the credo "Never give up," Silano battled through diphtheria at age 2, contended for boxing titles while popularly known as the "Throop Avenue Thunderbolt" at age 10, performed in theatrical productions in high school, served in the Navy air corps in WWII, and afterward earned two masters degrees and a PhD in scientific pursuits. It was during those early collegiate years that Al, as he was known, met a fellow student, Marie, and they would enter a marriage lasting until his death 68 years later. They began a move to Fayetteville in 1988, Arkansas being the home of Marie's family, upon Al's being offered a position as research professor and classroom teacher at the U of A. Al taught inter-disciplinary classes in polymer science, while also advising and mentoring dozens of graduate students and PhD candidates. He was featured in one of the first video teaching courses for the university, and acted as a university consultant to private industry in solving manufacturing processes. In addition to being an inspiring educator, Al was known best for his stories. Many included vivid details regarding the personalities he encountered during his early years of building and flying airplanes, his years as a thespian at New Brunswick High School, and his service in the US Navy. He will always be remembered for his infectious desire to know everything about the natural world, along with his determination to solve problems and tinker with the seemingly irreparable. Al had a gift for fixing virtually any mechanical device, from complex watches to simple vacuum cleaners, often resulting in better-than-new operation. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y. and later residing in New Jersey, Al began his career attending a pre-engineering program under the GI Bill and working nights as a bartender. After completing his first of three degrees at Rutgers University, he began teaching at Highland Park HS in New Jersey before moving on to full professor at Kean University where he retired in 1987. Al's Naval training was as electrical engineer, radio operator, gunner, and flight mechanic. He was based with VR-1 Tactical Support Squadron at Patuxent River Naval Air Station in Maryland. Al is survived by his wife Marie, their four children, eight grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Memorial Funeral Home, 3926 Willowood Ave., Springdale, Ark. Online condolences may be made to www.memorialfhspringdale.com.