Dr. Perry P. Yaney, Ph.D.

In Loving Memory of Dr. Perry P. Yaney, Ph.D. 
Professor Emeritus, Physicist, Mentor, Innovator, Husband, Father, and Grandfather 1931 – 2025

Dr. Perry P. Yaney, Ph.D., a distinguished physicist, educator, and mentor, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of scientific excellence, educational innovation, and profound impact on generations of students and colleagues. He had just turned 94 on July 28.

He is survived by his wife Mary Wulfeck Yaney, married 64 years. His children Anastasia Yaney (Walter Reynolds), Felicia Armstrong (Rick), Alex Yaney (Amy) and grandchildren Alyssa Armstrong, Demetrius Reynolds, Artemis Reynolds, and Xander Yaney. Also survived by daughter (by choice) Julie Winslow and her son Scott Lawson. As well as numerous nieces, nephews, students, colleagues, and friends whose lives were enriched by his wisdom, kindness, and dedication. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of scientists and educators.

Born Pericles Constantine Pappas, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Dr. Yaney earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering in 1954 and his Ph.D. in Physics in 1963, both from the University of Cincinnati. His early career included work with Delco Products, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Baldwin Piano Company, St. Eloi Corporation, and Avco Electronics and Ordnance Division—experiences that laid the foundation for his lifelong dedication to applied physics and engineering.

In 1963, Dr. Yaney joined the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI), and by 1965, he transitioned to the university’s Department of Physics as an assistant professor. He achieved the rank of full professor in 1975 and became a cornerstone of the university’s academic and research community. A visionary in his field, Dr. Yaney co-founded the multidisciplinary Electro-Optics Graduate Program, which became a hallmark of the School of Engineering at UD.

Over his more than four-decade career, Dr. Yaney was responsible for the design and development of numerous physics and electro-optics laboratory facilities and courses. His teaching spanned from introductory physics to advanced graduate-level electro-optics, and he was known for his hands-on mentorship and dedication to student success. He guided countless graduate and undergraduate students, fostering a culture of inquiry and innovation.

He funded and directed over 30 electro-optics graduate students and more than 15 physics graduate students in their thesis research. Additionally, he funded and mentored more than 25 undergraduate students on year-long laboratory research projects and regularly gave seminars and mentoring to high school students.

Perry’s research interests included:

• Surface-plasmon polariton resonance applied to molecular sensing
• Optical waveguide modulators and related devices using nonlinear optical polymers
• Raman microprobe spectroscopy characterization of DNA, silicon carbide, silicon nitride, periodically poled lithium niobate, etc.
• Development of a distributed-feedback picosecond laser using a nanosecond pump laser
• Laser diagnostics of gas flows, flames and plasmas
• Spectroscopy of lanthanides in crystals

Dr. Yaney authored over 80 journal publications and presentations since 1970 and served as principal investigator on research projects totaling over $3 million, with additional contributions to projects exceeding $6 million. His work in prototype electro-optics systems and fundamental physics studies earned him recognition as a Fellow of the American Physical Society where he was also a member (past chair, Ohio-Region Section) and this past April 11th, they presented him with The Howard N. Maxwell Award for distinguished service to the section. He was also a member of the Optical Society of America, SPIE--The International Society for Optics and Photonics, Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society (past chair, UD chapter) and the Affiliate Societies Council (ASC) of Dayton (Secretary, Vice-Chair, Chair).

Perry joined ASC in the late 70’s and was a founding member of the group in 2003 that started TechFest Dayton, Ohio’s premiere STEM event for elementary through high school students and their families, which is still going today under the leadership of Kevin Cornell. TechFest was a passion project for Perry, and he was still involved this past year, even joining a Zoom meeting from a hospital bed.

After retiring from salaried employment in 2004, Dr. Yaney continued his research as an independent contractor at Wright Patterson Air Force Base until his late eighties. He also continued to advise and mentor graduate students at the University of Dayton and continued the maintenance and repair of the Foucault pendulum in Sherman Hall which he began in 1965. It wasn’t until 2022 that he finally handed off the maintenance to the next generation.

Dr. Yaney was deeply respected not only for his scientific contributions but also for his humility, generosity, and unwavering commitment to education. He often reflected on his career with gratitude, saying, “I have been very blessed by the many opportunities I have had to learn, teach, mentor, work and grow with a wide range of interesting and challenging students and colleagues.”

Perry and his family were members of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Kettering where their children attended school. Over 30 years ago he and Mary joined St. Francis of Assisi Church in Centerville. There he has been a lector, choir member, small church community facilitator and member of the design committee for a new church building completed in 2004. He maintained the church's sound system, office computers and first parish website (which he created).

On Sunday, June 12, 2011, Perry received the Cardinal Bernardin Community Service Award from the Catholic St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church of Dayton. The award honors individuals who are models of giving to others and to the community without any expectation of recognition. Honorees step in when and where needed because it is part of their make-up and giving nature.

In his personal life, Perry liked to travel with his wife and family. Besides traveling all over the United States, he has also traveled to Canada, Mexico, Japan, Hong Kong, France, Germany, Spain, Greece, and England. He also had his pilot’s license and flew a Cessna for years. His life as an engineer inspired many home improvements and appliance repairs as he always preferred to repair something rather than replace it. He took pride in gardening, especially growing his giant tomato plants and giant tomatoes. His backyard Fourth of July parties featured his skill at barbecuing and always ended with a spectacular fireworks show. He also liked to play tennis and played some future pros while in college. But it was his love of music and dancing that brought him together with his dancing angel, Mary, who would be his future wife.

The family will receive friends and colleagues from 5-7 pm on Wednesday, August 13, at the Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 East Stroop Rd., Kettering. Funeral services will be on August 14 at noon at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 6245 Wilmington Pike, Centerville with a viewing preceding at 11 am. Following the funeral services Dr. Yaney will be buried at Woodland Cemetery in Dayton. A reception will follow the burial back at St. Francis of Assisi Church.

The family would like to express our thanks for the wonderful help and care given by Vitas Hospice Care and Functional Lifestyle Solutions caregivers. The family would also like to thank the friends that were able to visit and comfort Perry in his final days.

If desired, friends can make a memorial contribution to the Yaney, Haus and Powers Physics Scholarship for EOP Studies at the University of Dayton. Checks can be mailed to: Jennifer Keezer Argue ’93, Director of Development, UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON, 300 College Park, Dayton, OH 45469-7054 with the scholarship name on the memo line or online at givenow.udayton.edu, designate to the Yaney, Haus, and Powers Physics Scholarships for EOP Studies.