Clifford Peter Lillya

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Clifford Lillya Obituary

Clifford Peter Lillya

Amherst, MA - Clifford Peter Lillya of Amherst passed away peacefully on September 15, 2023 at Baystate Medical Center. Peter was born in Chicago in 1937, and spent his early years in Chicago and Ann Arbor, Michigan. Son of an academic and New Deal Democrats, Peter knew at an early age that he wanted to be a citizen scientist. Working summers in a University of Michigan laboratory in Ann Arbor, he went on to earn a BA in chemistry at Kalamazoo College and a PhD at Harvard University, working under Nobel Laureate E.J. Corey. He joined the UMass Amherst Chemistry Department in 1963, where he stayed his entire career, and remained an enthusiastic and supportive colleague long after his formal retirement in 2002. Peter's colleagues and students will remember him as an inquisitive, caring and gracious member of the community, whose research interests were broad and who embraced innovation. He remembered students who had only taken a course or two with him, and remained friends with and celebrated the careers of his many graduate students.

Peter was both a lifelong outdoorsman and athlete. He combined these interests by pursuing hiking, camping, rock climbing, and cycling, usually with friends and family. A love of travel took him around the globe, often visiting friends and children in far-flung locations. A passion for arts, particularly music, made him a supporter and fan of many local arts organizations. His concern for justice and nature also led him to support political and non-political causes, investigating issues for the League of Women Voters, being a member of the Union of Concerned Scientists, and volunteering for local and statewide political campaigns, particularly those of his close friend John Olver.

To the end of his life, Peter was devoted to his family, loved good conversation and company, remained curious about the world, and was concerned with the opinions and wellbeing of others. He will be greatly missed, and his life celebrated. He is survived by his wife of 61 years Maija, sister Ann Schoelles, children Erik and Ann, and grandchildren Maggie McFarland, Olive McFarland and Ethan Lillya.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Hampshire Gazette from Oct. 12 to Oct. 20, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Clifford Lillya

5 Entries

Ronald Gurge

July 13, 2024

I just read about the passing of Professor Lillya in the Goessmann Gazette. He was co-advisor on my thesis committee. I learned so much chemistry from him during my time in graduate school at UMass, Amherst. I still remember his cume exam on the published synthesis of Epibatidine.We have lost one of the greats, and he has left us with his incredible legacy.

John W. Spiewak

July 11, 2024

I began graduate school at UMass in Chemisrty in the Fall of 1964. In the following years until I graduated with my PhD, I frequently encountered Professor Lillya in the Goessman corridors and in his office when students were not present with him. Although I obtained my degree with Professor Carpino, Professor Lillya always took time to answer any chemistry related question that I had. He was always pleasantly receptive and willing to help even though I was not part of his research group.

Paul S. Palumbo

April 6, 2024

As a freshman in the mid 70´s I had the good fortune to take Professor Lillya´s general chemistry course. Like a lot of freshmen, I wasn´t sure what I wanted to do with my life. Professor Lillya later became my undergraduate and senior research advisor. Little did I know that this unassuming professor would become my guiding light, the most influential educator I ever met.
Dr Lillya was more than an educator; he was a beacon of wisdom and kindness. His humility was striking-despite his vast knowledge and accomplishments, he never flaunted it. Instead, he shared his insights generously, patiently explaining complex concepts until they became crystal clear. His passion for chemistry was contagious, igniting a fire within me that still burns brightly.
His door was always open, always willing to help. In those moments, I realized that Dr Lillya wasn´t just shaping my scientific mind; he was nurturing my soul.
Dr Lillya had a unique way of making everyone feel welcome and seen. He remembered names, and offered a listening ear when life felt overwhelming. He welcomed us students into his home with his family to share a meal and conversation.
As I reflect on my chemistry career, I owe it all to Dr Lillya. I ultimately went on to obtain my PhD in chemistry and had a career as a research scientist for 40+ years. His legacy lived on in every experiment I conducted, every paper I wrote, and everyone I mentored. I carry his humility, knowledge, and warmth within me, hoping to inspire others as he inspired me.
Rest in peace, dear mentor. Your impact transcends textbooks and laboratories-it resides in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing you. Thank you for being my guiding star, my inspiration, and my friend.

With heartfelt condolences to the Lillya family,
Paul Palumbo

Stanley Shore

November 4, 2023

I arrived at UMASS chemistry as a student the same year Peter was hired. It was a strong department and Peter shone as a teacher and researcher. But what set him apart was his warmth. In a field where professors were inwardly directed Peter stood out as an outgoing friendly person. Sixty years latter Peter is the only professor I remember with affection.

Dennis Bromery

October 16, 2023

Maija and family, I was saddened to learn of Peter's passing. Over the years, it was always great to see him at various events at UMass and to catch up. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Dennis

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