Philip Weinberg

PEORIA - Dr. Philip Weinberg, 86, of Peoria died Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012.

He was born Dec. 13, 1925, in New York City.

He was a United States Navy veteran, serving in the South Pacific during World War II. On April 12, 1947, he married Rose Jaffe in Brooklyn, New York, the girl next door.

He is survived by his wife, Rose; his three children, Fred (Charlotte) Weinberg of Washoe Valley, Nev., Susan Weinberg (Martin Arend) of Minneapolis, Minn., and Andrea Weinberg-Chestnut of Mahomet; two granddaughters, Leah (Scott) Herold of Elgin and Lindsay Chestnut of Baltimore, Md.; and one great-grandson, Matthew Herold.

Rose and Phil shared 64 years of marriage, living in many places around the country while Phil completed his education. He attended the University of Denver from 1947 to 1950, receiving a degree in electrical engineering. He then attended Stanford University from 1950 to 1951, where he received his master's degree in electrical engineering. Before arriving in Peoria, he taught at the University of New Mexico, the University of Utah and Purdue University.

In 1956, the Weinbergs settled in Peoria, which became their home for the next 55 years. The impetus for their move was Bradley University, where Phil created the Electrical Engineering Department, where he served as chairman for 20 years.

Phil's interest in the arts and culture took him into another realm as he became the driving force behind the establishment of WCBU as a full power public radio station in 1970. He established the Office of Research Coordination and the Center for Learning Resources and in 1971 brought public television to central Illinois through the creation of WTVP.

In 1973, his work was recognized with the award of an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Bradley University. In 1977, he founded the College of Communication and Fine Arts. In this role he was influential in Bradley building initiatives, including the Hartmann Center and the Dingeldine Music Center. He concluded his career as Dean of Engineering and Technology from 1986 to 1989. Through his initiatives and vision, his legacy will continue to be felt for generations to come.

He was a member and past president of the Illinois Valley Educational TV Association, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, American Society of Engineering Education, Eta Kappa Nu, Sigma Tau and Tau Nu Epsilon.

He was devoted to his family, friends and community. He was the person whom everyone came to in times of need, the go-to guy. He was a doer, he stepped in and took care of things. In a crisis, he was the man you wanted at your side. He was extraordinarily proud of his children and adored his granddaughters. Almost one year ago, he was completely overjoyed to meet his great-grandchild.

He spent his retirement years actively involved in Bradley and WTVP and loved visits with his expanding family. His wisdom, kindness and humor will be missed by all.

He was a member of Congregation Anshai Emeth in Peoria, where services will be at 12:30 p.m., Monday, Feb. 6, 2012. Rabbi Karen Bogard will officiate. Visitation will be two hours prior to services at Congregation Anshai Emeth. Burial will be in Springdale Cemetery.

The Wilton Mortuary in Peoria is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.thewiltonmortuary.com.

Memorials, in lieu of flowers, may be made to: WTVP-TV Channel 47, 101 State St., Peoria, IL 61602 or The Philip and Rose Weinberg Family Scholarship, Gift Records - Bradley University, 1501 W. Bradley Ave., Peoria, IL 61625.