Stylianos P. Scordilis ’69

Stan, passionate biochemist, educator, lover of music, and person of faith, died on Dec. 29, 2025, in Whately, Mass.

He graduated from Andrew Warde High School in Fairfield, Conn., where he was active in science programs and band. He continued those interests at Princeton, majoring in biology and performing as a University organist and member of the Orchestra. He was a student of music professor Edward Cone ’39, who was astonished when Stan chose biology over music. Stan especially enjoyed performing classic organ transcriptions, as well as works composed for him by a classmate, and he spent a memorable summer touring and playing the great organs of Europe.

Following Princeton, Stan headed to SUNY Albany, where he received his Ph.D. in neurophysiology. He did his postdoctoral research at the National Institutes of Health. then joined the faculty at Smith College, where he taught for 48 years. His research focused on the molecular and biochemical bases of skeletal muscle function and development, especially the biochemistry of exercise and exercise-induced muscular damage.

At Smith, he was widely respected for his rigorous yet supportive teaching style and for his dedication to undergraduate research. As a teacher and researcher, he helped to shape many future careers in science, medicine, and education. Guided through his life by his Greek Orthodox faith, Stan approached his work and relationships with humility, integrity, and compassion.

Stan was the president of the parish council at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Holyoke, Mass., where his funeral was held. Stan is survived by his daughters, Eleni and Panagiota; and his sister, Marina Brownlee *78, a Princeton professor, and her husband, Kevin *79.