Obituary of Walter Rudolph Supina

Walter Rudolph Supina, born August 11, 1931 in Hartford, CT passed away at Juniper Village at Brookline on September 20, 2018, surrounded by his family. Walter resided in Redington Beach, FL., returning to his home in State College every summer. Son of Madeline Bolecek and Walter Supina, Walter spent his youth on Long Island, Southern New Jersey and Bucks County, PA, graduating from Council Rock High School in 1949. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Penn State in 1953, and then went to work for DuPont in Victoria, TX. He then served in the United States Army in 1954 and 1955 in Korea and Japan.

Walter married Aura Lee Tyrrell on August 18, 1956 in Philadelphia. That year, they moved to State College where he began graduate work in Chemical Engineering at Penn State receiving his Masters' degree in 1957 and his PhD in 1960. Walter then went to work at Applied Science Labs in State College. In 1966, he and Nicholas Pelick founded Supelco, Inc. in Bellefonte growing it into a prominent company in the field of Chromatography. More than anything, he was proud to contribute to the prosperity of the area by creating jobs for hundreds of people in the area. Walt and Nick Pelick will be the recipients of the 2019 Pittcon Heritage award. Walter retired in early 1990 and he and Aura Lee began wintering in Redington Beach. 

Walter received the Outstanding Engineering Alumni Award from Penn State in 1989, and he served on the Penn State Alumni Council. A very generous person, Walter personally helped people in need, established scholarships and fellowships at Penn State and contributed to a number of charities and organizations asking for little or no recognition.

In addition to being an accomplished chemist and business owner, Walter had various hobbies and passions. He was a long time Ham Radio Operator at the Expert Level, a member of the Nittany Amateur Radio Club and QCWA with his call sign N3WS. Walter was an avid painter and master gardener. He also enjoyed fly fishing trips to the Rocky Mountains and loved taking his family on trips all over North America and Europe.

Walter is survived by his loving companion, Katie Dickson of Gulfport, FL, son Richard and spouse Martha (State College, PA and Dubois, WY) Daughter Anne and spouse Sandy Twoey (Fort Pierce, FL) Grandchildren Kathryn (Queens, NY), Megan (Queens, NY), and Kevin (Denver, CO). He is also survived by brothers Louis (Macungie, PA), Robert (Richmond, TX), Paul (Wasilla, AK). Walter was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Aura Lee, son David, and sister Dolores Quinn.

Friends will be received at the Koch Funeral Home, 2401 South Atherton Street, State College, PA on Monday, September 24 from 6 until 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be held Tuesday, September 25 at 10:30 AM at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church in State College with the Reverend Neil Dadey officiating. Burial will be at the old St. Andrews Cemetery on Sycamore St. in Newtown, Bucks County PA, on September 26 at 11 AM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. Vincent DePaul Society or a charity of the donor's choice.

Arrangements are under the care of the Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.