William Jay Killian

William Jay Killian (Bill), age 85, beloved husband of Arlene Bielau Killian, passed away on August 3, 2013, after battling pneumonia in The Glen at Willow Valley, Lancaster, PA.  He is survived by his wife Arlene; four children, Linda K. Reitz, William P. Killian (Julie B.). Kristen K. Walker (James W.), and Patrick S. Killian; eight grandchildren, Jessica and Ryan Reitz, Jeffrey and Laura Killian, Jacob Walker, and Emily, Lauren, and Aaron Killian; many nieces and nephews; and countless friends.  He was a devoted son, husband, father, Pup Pup, uncle, and friend who will be sorely missed by all of those who knew and loved him.

Bill, son of the late Ella and Paul S. Killian, was born on April 26, 1928, in Bethlehem, PA.  He graduated from The Hill School in 1946 and from Bucknell University in 1950 with a degree in Business and Finance.  He was a proud member of Sigma Chi fraternity.  In later years, he was a member of the Bucknell Board of Trustees as an Alumni Representative.

Bill was a member of Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, PA, for more than 60 years.  It was no secret that golf was his work, and work was his hobby.

After serving in the US Army in the 39

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Finance Division in Frankfurt, Germany, Bill worked for Vanadium Corporation of America in the Pittsburgh district sales office.  He later became District Sales Manager for Airco/Carbon in Pittsburgh and became a part owner of The Carbon-Graphite Group from which he retired in 1993.

Bill resided in Pine Township, Allegheny County, in Wexford, PA, where he served on the Township Board of Supervisors and the Pine Township Planning Commission.  He was an Elder in the Cross Roads Presbyterian Church in Pine and was active in the local Republican Party.  He was a resident of Pine Township from 1963 until he moved with Arlene to Willow Valley Retirement Community in Lancaster County, PA, in 2005.

Bill was an avid fan of both the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Bucknell Bison.  He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and was the consummate entertainer and host.  He had the kindest soul ever known and spread his optimism wherever he went.  Bill will be forever remembered for saying, “If I had a tail it would be waggin.”

Burial will be private.   A memorial Service will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2013 at 10:30 A.M.  in the Johnson Auditorium at Willow Valley Manor North, 600 Willow Valley Square, Lancaster, PA.  A visitation will take place immediately following the service.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Bucknell University Bison Club at: Bucknell University, Athletics Department, C/O Todd Newcomb, Bucknell University, 1 Dent Drive, Lewisburg, PA 17837.