Obituary of Richard S. Killam

Richard S. Killam, 78, of State College, formerly of Mendham, NJ, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 6, 2018, surrounded by family.

Dick was born in Detroit, Michigan on Sept. 8, 1940. The son of the late Melbourne and Mary Killam. He is survived by his wife, Judith Nussmeier Killam. They were married on June 25, 1966 at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

He is also survived by son, Spence Killam, his wife, Cathryn, of Mendham, NJ; son, Brad Killam, his wife, Andrea, of Stow, MA; daughter, Sherry Tirko, her husband, Kevin, of State College, PA; his cherished grandchildren, Morgan and Rowan Killam of Mendham, NJ; Cora and Lucy Tirko of State College, PA; sister, Nancy Simon, of Chicago, IL.; brother-in-law, Bernie Tuttle of Bellefontaine, OH; step-grandchildren, Tasha Tirko, her husband, Vince Agresto of State College, PA; Jessica Tirko, her husband, Joshua Duerr of Goldsboro, NC.

In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by his sister, Bonnie Tuttle.

Dick served in the US Army from 1959-1962. After discharge, he attended Wayne State University and graduated in Dec. of 1966 with a BS in Electrical Engineering. He worked for Michigan Bell Telephone Company from 1966-1976. During that time he earned his MBA from Wayne State University graduating in 1970. He continued his career at AT&T headquarters in Basking Ridge, NJ where his most gratifying project was managing the project of laying the first trans-pacific fiber optic communications cable. He worked for Telcordia Technologies from 1998 until he retired in 2006.

In 2008, he and his wife moved to State College, PA.

Dick was an active member of the State College Presbyterian Church. He volunteered at Krislund Camp. He was an active SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) mentor giving advice to clients starting or growing businesses. He was a member of the Nittany Valley Turning Club. For several years he volunteered setting up fireworks for the State College 4th Fest. He was a life member of the Pastime Club of Mendham which raises money for youth sports and activities in the area. He was proud to earn an Eagle Scout rank.

Dick had a love for woodworking. He spent countless hours enjoying his woodshop making beautiful pieces for his family and friends to enjoy as well as pieces to auction off for charity. His smile and willingness to help others will be missed by many.

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm, Monday, October 15, 2018 at the State College Presbyterian Church, 132 W. Beaver Ave., State College, with Rev. Dean Lindsey officiating. Interment will be at the family’s convenience.

In keeping with Dick’s wishes, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Krislund Camp, online at http://krislund.org/support-1/ or by mail to 189 Krislund Drive, Box 116, Madisonburg, PA 16852 in memory of Richard Killam.

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