Xavier University will hold a memorial service later this year for David deLisle, a music professor at the school for 40 years, the university announced Friday.

DeLisle died Saturday in Atlanta.

He was associate professor in applied piano and music theory and coordinator of the applied piano area. He also taught at the New England Conservatory of Music and Wisconsin University in Madison at the summer music clinic.

DeLisle also performed for numerous solo recitals around the country as well as with large ensembles such as the New Hampshire Summer Festival Symphony and New England Conservatory Symphony, and some chamber groups. In the 1970s he toured two seasons with St. Louis Symphony violinist Darwyn Apple; accompanied tenor John Miles on his concert circuit; and was accompanist to the Boston Ballet company.

"In his own special way he was really dedicated to the department and the students here," said music department chair, Dr. John Ware. "We had piano majors who came to Xavier especially to study with him.

DeLisle is survived by his wife and two children, Gabrielle and Pierre.

(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)