Steven J D'Urso

Steven J. D’Urso passed away Friday (Feb. 16, 2018) at home with his family.

Steven was born on July 28, 1952, in Urbana, a son to Bette and Frank D’Urso. He graduated from Urbana High in 1970. He graduated from the University of Illinois in 1978 with a BS in mechanical engineering and in 1989 with a MS in aerospace, aeronautical and astronautical engineering. He worked for McDonnell Douglas and Boeing. Steve participated in several professional organizations to further excel in aeronautics and systems engineering. In 2011, Steve began lecturing at his alma mater, the College of Engineering at the University of Illinois. He participated with the U of I Engineering Board, as well as served many years on the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Board. He participated in projects with the U.S. Department of Defense, NASA, Rolls-Royce and others.

Steven was very involved with his daughters Megan and Kimberly’s softball teams, obtaining several certifications from ASA, NSA and Junior Olympic softball for coaching. He impacted many athletes over the years through coaching.

He is survived by his wife, Pamela D’Urso; daughters, Megan (Brian) Steinlage and Kimberly (Jeremiah) Block; his brother, James (Beverly) D’Urso; his mother, Bette D’Urso; and four granddogs.

Visitation will be Wednesday, Feb. 21, from 5 to 7 p.m. with a short service at 7 p.m. at Owens Funeral Home, 101 N. Elm St., Champaign, IL 61820.

Memorial contributions in lieu of other expressions of sympathy can be sent to the Cancer Research Institute (www.cancerresearch.org)

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