Stephen Andrilli

As a freshman math major at LaSalle I took Linear Algebra and when the first test came I knew I´d fail and dropped the class. Fortunately the next year I took it again with Dr. Andrilli and his text book and it ended up being my favorite class. I also took his Abstract Algebra class and he made the concepts easy to understand. I´m very sorry to hear of his passing but know he had a positive influence on many of his students.

Stephen was my best friend. I first met him in Modern Algebra class when I was a sophomore at La Salle. Our friendship continued to grow over the years. I followed him to graduate school in math at Rutgers. We roomed together my first year there. I had some dark years while at Rutgers, and Stephen was there to support me throughout. After receiving our Ph.D.´s, we each got teaching jobs at different universities, but still kept in touch. In 1984, he asked me to work with him writing a Linear Algebra textbook for college math majors. We worked together on various editions of that book for almost 40 years. The sixth edition, our last, won a "Texty" Award for excellence in 2024. We also coauthored another Linear Algebra textbook geared toward non-major freshmen. These publications were instrumental in obtaining tenure and promotion for both of us.
Although Stephen and I had few recreational interests in common, we remained close all those years because Stephen was someone I could talk to about anything; problems, joys, ups, and downs. At times, even more so over the past few years, we would have long phone conversations about virtually everything, including, of course, sharing puns, which we both loved. He was the best man at both of my weddings. In fact, I know of at least two other people for which he served as best man. I would not be surprised to hear that there were more. Many people considered Stephen a great friend, not just me. In the several different circles of friends that we shared, he was the source of gravity that held the group together. He was very special in his ability to nurture his relationships with those around him. In the past few years, he frequently met friends, former colleagues, former students, etc., for "ROMEOs" - Retired Old Men Eating Out. I am sure that there are many people who wish there could have been more of these to come. I will certainly miss him dearly. I am sure he is with the Lord. My condolences to Ene and the rest of Stephen´s family.

My most sincere condolences to Ene and Family. Although I was unable to meet my cousin Stephen, I knew him through his emails, puzzles, and Christmas letters. Rest in Peace Stephen with your Lord in Heaven and say hello for me, to the rest of our family that have been waiting to welcome you.

Prayers for Ene and the family on the loss of Stephen
I have fond memories as a child visiting with Stephen , Carol , Trisha and Barbie along with
Lee and Franny at their home.
One memory stands out boldly.
It Was a vacation trip to Beach Haven where Stephen built an entire golf course in the sand.
He proceeded to educate all of us how the golf ball would sail through the course to a whole in one. A wonderful memory.
God bless