York in York County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Philip J. Avillo, Jr., Ph.D.

Department of History and Political Science

— 1975-2009 —

Philip J. Avillo, Jr., Ph.D. Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., March 31, 2023

1. Philip J. Avillo, Jr., Ph.D. Marker

Inscription.

Professor Avillo served as Chair of the History and Political Science Department, President of the Academic Senate, and Coach of the York College Lacrosse Team. Dr. Avillo was the recipient of the Student Senate Faculty Recognition and the Distinguished Service Awards. He mentored a generation of students and athletes to think critically and to involve themselves in their communities. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, a Purple Heart recipient, and a candidate for the U.S. Congress in 2006 and 2008.

Erected by York College of Pennsylvania.

Topics. This memorial is listed in these topic lists: Education • Patriots & Patriotism • War, Vietnam. A significant historical year for this entry is 2006.

Location. 39° 56.806′ N, 76° 43.75′ W. Memorial is in York, Pennsylvania, in York County. It can be reached from Country Club Road. Marker is in the Faculty Recognition Garden, part of the Campus Mall on the York College campus. Touch for map. Memorial is at or near this postal address: 441 Country Club Road, York PA 17403, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this memorial is in South-Central Pennsylvania, specifically in Pennsylvania Dutch Country,

in the Susquehanna Valley,

and in Greater Harrisburg.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Robert H. Terry, Ph.D. (here, next to this marker); Mary M. Graham, Ph.D. (here, next to this marker); Brian R. Glandon, Ph.D. (here,

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next to this marker); Jacquelin H. Harrington, D. Ed., RN (here, next to this marker); Robert F. Denoncourt, Ph.D. (here, next to this marker); Rich Achtzehn, M.S., Ed.S. (here, next to this marker); Jack C. "Jake" Jaquet, M.S. (here, next to this marker); Patrick J. Massa M.S. (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in York.

Regarding Philip J. Avillo, Jr., Ph.D..

Dr. Philip J. Avillo, Jr.
March 22, 1942 - February 17, 2018
Spring Garden Twp.

Phil Avillo died peacefully at his home on February 17, 2018, three years after being diagnosed with ALS. Linda, his beloved wife of nearly 50 years, survives him.

Phil was born on March 22, 1942, in Teaneck, NJ and spent most of his early years in Floral Park, NY. At age 17, Phil enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, earning his commission when he graduated from Hofstra University. He served in the Marines from 1964-66. During his tour in Vietnam, he flew 69 combat missions, receiving the Purple Heart for a wound that resulted in the amputation of his left leg above the knee.

After his military service, Phil earned an MA in history

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., March 31, 2023

2. Philip J. Avillo, Jr., Ph.D. Marker

from the University of San Diego (1970) followed by a Ph.D. in history from the University of Arizona (1975). After a year at The National Archives, in Washington, D.C., he accepted an appointment at York College of Pennsylvania where he taught history from 1975 until his retirement in 2012. During that time, Phil served 12 years as chairman of the Department of History and Political Science and one-term as President of the Academic Senate. Twice, students selected him to deliver the Winter Commencement address, the Student Senate twice named him the Teacher of the Year, and the York College Alumni Association awarded him its Professional Service and Recognition Award. After his retirement, the college honored him with the title, Professor Emeritus of History. In 2016, the college dedicated the Phil Avillo Plaza in his honor.

Lacrosse was a major part of Phil's life. He was awarded a scholarship to play at Hofstra University. From 1971-1973, he coached the University of Arizona Lacrosse Club. He also coached the York College men's lacrosse team, taking it from a club team in 1993 to NCAA Division III status in 1999, and subsequently coaching two years at the varsity level.

Phil had an abiding commitment to service. Soon after arriving in York, Phil became active in the York community. He was elected for three terms to the York Suburban School Board, serving seven

Faculty Recognition Garden Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., March 31, 2023

3. Faculty Recognition Garden Marker

of them as President. He also served as a member of the East York PTA, on the Boards of the York Symphony (Vice President), the York Suburban Dollars for Scholars program, and the York Heritage Trust. In 2006 and 2008, he ran for Pennsylvania's 19th congressional district seat. His commitment extended directly to young people as well, coaching them for well over a decade in youth baseball, basketball, soccer and lacrosse.

Phil's family and many friends always knew that his heart was large. He believed in equal opportunity for all people and lived his life accordingly. He was an inspiration to all who knew him. He often stated that his life was blessed, crediting his good fortune to many friends who supported him throughout his life and certainly in these last years of his illness. His family loved him dearly and will miss tremendously his humor and his companionship.

In addition to Linda, he is survived by three children and their families. He also leaves a sister and her husband, a niece, and nephew.

A celebration of life will be held 10 a.m. Saturday, February 24, 2018 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 231 S. Beaver Street, York, with The Rev. Carl Tancredi and The Rev. Keith Carroll, officiating. Visitation will be held 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Kuhner Associates Funeral Directors, Inc., 863 S. George St., York. Burial will be private.

In lieu

Faculty Recognition Garden and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., March 31, 2023

4. Faculty Recognition Garden and Marker

of flowers, the family requests you consider a donation to the Linda and Phil Avillo Scholarship, or to the Avillo Award, both of which support students at York College of Pennsylvania, 441 Country Club Road, York, PA 17403 or a donation in Phil's name to the ALS Association, ALS Greater Philadelphia Chapter, 321 Norristown Road #260, Ambler, PA 19002.

Published by York Daily Record on Feb. 20, 2018.

Also see . . . York College of Pennsylvania. (Submitted on April 3, 2023, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)

Credits. This page was last revised on April 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 3, 2023, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 284 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 3, 2023, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.