Dr. Mikhail "Misha" Digilov

Dr. Mikhail Yusefovich “Misha” Digilov passed away on Saturday, September 21, 2024 after a short and valiant battle with cancer. Misha was born on May 25, 1953 in Nalchik, USSR to Dora and Yusef Digilov. He successfully defended his PhD dissertation in Physics before the age of 25 at the Moscow Institute of Steel and Materials, the only university that had not yet filled its limited quota of Jews at the time. A brilliant physicist, he specialized in carbon research and his work led to the discovery of what are now known as “buckyballs”. After immigrating to the United States in 1992, Misha built a career from scratch, eventually founding Dora Texas Corp, a semi-conductor provider named after his dear mother. Misha was a man of action and full of life. He was an avid skier and proud member of the Russian Katy soccer team, always happy to host a post game meal at his home complete with sauna, swimming, and shashlik on the grill. He learned to read Hebrew at age 60 and dedicated himself to learning Torah and leading an enthusiastically Jewish life. One of his proudest accomplishments was the publication of a Jewish prayer book, named after his mother and grandfather, that gave Russian-speaking learners a translation and transliteration on top of the Hebrew script. It was critical for him that others could more easily learn to be observant Jews. In his late 60s, Misha climbed the highest peak in Europe, Mt. Elbrus, attributing this accomplishment to his steadfast faith. In his studies he learned of the oft-forgotten scientist Waldemar Haffkine, inventor of the cholera vaccine, and was inspired to write and publish his biography. Most recently, he turned his laundry room into a distillery, transforming grapes he picked himself into a full-bodied, delicious, and most importantly Kosher red wine. Beloved by all who knew him, he was most admired by his three sons, who consider him the smartest person they’ve ever known and will carry his wisdom throughout their lives. Always a giver and not a taker, and a doer and not a complainer - to know Misha was to be invited to his home and be served a generous helping of his famous plov. At once a keen scientist, a chef, a writer, a thinker, a humorist, and a leader, but most importantly, a husband, father, a grandfather, a friend, and a passionate Jew. Misha is survived by his loving wife of nearly 40 years, Dr. Irina Digilova, his three sons Artyom (Naomi), Felix (Yael) and Yan (Bina) Digilov, and the lights of his lives, his four grandchildren: Eitan, Yishai, Yonatan and Lidia Bracha. His family, extended family, and countless friends will miss him terribly. In lieu of flowers, the Digilov family asks that you consider donating to The Meyerland Minyan Synagogue. There was a graveside service on Sunday, September 22, 2024 at Beth Jacob Cemetery, 2300 Almeda Genoa Rd., Houston, Texas, 77047. May there be peace in your walls and serenity in your palace. Psalm 122:7

Dr. Mikhail "Misha" Digilov

May 25, 1953 - September 21, 2024