Beloved Father and Husband, Psychologist, Professor, and Mentor
Obituary
Dr. Glen Philip Aylward passed away on July 26, 2025, in Springfield, Illinois surrounded by his loved ones. A distinguished clinical child psychologist and nationally recognized leader in pediatrics, Glen led a life guided by purpose, enriched by humor and curiosity, and defined by his steadfast dedication to helping others, his profound love for family, and his lasting contributions to his profession.
Born, July 30, 1950, in Hoboken, New Jersey, Glen broke ground as the first doctoral graduate in clinical child psychology from Georgia State University in 1979 and began what would become a remarkable career spanning over four decades. He served as Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and directed the Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. His work with neonatal follow-up programs helped shape clinical care for premature and medically complex infants, and he became a respected voice in the national conversation around developmental assessment, early intervention, and childhood outcomes. He was the first external author selected to revise the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, the world’s most widely used assessment of infant development. After retiring, Glen’s work on the fourth edition (Bayley Scales-IV) spanned nearly three years and included close collaboration with experts from Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, and the United States. Dr. Aylward authored over 140 peer-reviewed publications, textbooks, and clinical practice guidelines, and he mentored generations of trainees who now carry forward his legacy of scientific rigor and compassionate care for children and families. He was as respected by his colleagues as he was loved by the many families he served for over 40 years as a clinician. It was not unusual when out to dinner with his family, that someone would approach him simply to express their gratitude for the impact he had on their child’s life.
Yet, for all his professional accolades, Glen was defined even more by the strength of his relationships and the warmth of his presence. A proud and devoted father, he never missed an opportunity to support his children’s pursuits, whether academic, athletic, professional, or personal. Upon retirement, he told his colleagues that he always judged his success by the success of his children. Inspired by his example, his children have devoted their lives to serving others and advancing his legacy of compassion and impact. Glen always had a gift for making others feel seen and heard. Whether he was mentoring a young clinician, caring for a patient, or offering his children thoughtful advice, he led with empathy and integrity. After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) in 2012, Glen drew upon his deep expertise and discipline in martial arts to support others facing the same journey. He began teaching martial arts classes for individuals with PD at the Senior Center of Central Illinois, empowering others to stay active and engaged to improve balance and mobility. A passionate advocate, Glen often spoke about breaking misconceptions around the disease, saying, “Many believe that life is what you make it, but sometimes it is what it is. I emphasize that PD does not have to be all that life is. People need a spokesperson to dispel the stereotype of someone with PD just stumbling around. You can have PD and be productive.”
In addition to his dedication to martial arts, he nurtured a deep love for bonsai cultivation, painting, and creative writing. After a long career authoring professional articles, he shifted his focus in retirement to writing humor. His published works include Not the Waltons: The Making of a Boomer (2013), The How to Do Stuff (Right) Book: Uncommon ‘Advice’ for Common Situations (2017), and Not the Waltons II: The Sequel – Boomers Growing Up (2020).
He is survived by the love of his life, high-school sweetheart, and wife of over 51 years, Deborah, his children Shawn (Christa) Aylward, Megan Kircher, Brandon (Nichole) Aylward, Mason (Hailey) Aylward, former son-in-law Paul Kircher, his grandchildren (Lucas and Jacob Aylward; Sydney, Rylee, and Parker Kircher), sister Karen (Jimmy) Rodgers, and nephew Jeremy (Jackie) Rodgers, all of whom brought him great pride and joy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marion and Philip Aylward, son, Connor, and nephew Jarett Rodgers.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Glen’s memory to The Autism Program of Illinois (TAP) Service Network, reflecting his unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of children with developmental and behavioral challenges, or to Animal Protective League for his heartfelt affection for companion pets.
Dr. Aylward left the world better than he found it, through science, service, compassion, and love. May we carry forward the values he embodied by leading with kindness, lifting others up, and living a life of purpose and generosity.
Gallery
Reflections
Glen said his success in life would be judged by the success of his family and he must be so very proud of his legacy!
Deborah is the strongest woman I know, and she has demonstrated that strength for so many years, never more so than in the way she cared for and supported Glen as he courageously endured the last painful and frustrating chapter of his life.
Glen's children each reflect him in their own unique way in their academic and educational achievements, and their commitment to make the world a better place through their work and their own families. Having known them all since early childhood it was an honor to interact with them as amazing young adults.
Glen had a deep impact on our own family, from the day of our wedding when he ordered that limousine for us, complete with a bottle of champagne, and on through my career and the lives of our children.
The following is a tribute I submitted to the memorial for Glen that was curated by the leaders of our Society for Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics (one of the many national organizations that Glen led as President):
Glen was a gifted and extremely productive Renaissance man who leaves an incredible legacy along with a hole in our hearts.
I was privileged to have Glen as a mentor and friend from my early residency days when SDBP was in infancy and I have witnessed his leadership and his profound influence on our field over those many years. His immense scientific contributions are well documented and highlighted by his insight and ability to link the intricacies of early brain development to the challenges of developmental testing and the interpretation of findings in the context of physical and social influences. It is only fitting that the latest edition of the gold standard in developmental assessment tools, the Bayley-4, bears his name as author.
But Glen was so much more than a brilliant scientist, clinician, and educator. As others have already commented, he was big-hearted and fun! Family came first. He was lucky to have Deborah as his amazing wife and together they raised a family that will continue his legacy in ways that have already made him proud and will do so in the future. Those of us who spent time with him socially were lucky indeed. It was not a party until Glen arrived (so many memories of SDBP Annual Meeting banquets). His talents spread well beyond the dance floor to bonsai, art, martial arts, landscaping, love of animals, and fast cars. His writing skills also extended beyond science to books on many subjects including hilarious accounts of his exploits as a young man in Jersey.
There was only one Glen and he will live on in our hearts and memories and in the continued evolution and success of our field as we serve young children and their families in his honor.
Service
1930 Barberry Dr, Springfield, IL 62704
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