John R. Killian - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

John R. Killian

Born June 3, 1943

John R. Killian, age 72, of Newark, DE, passed away suddenly on Sunday, December 27, 2015.

Born in Queens, New York on June 3, 1943, John was a son of the late Fritz and Angela (Klee) Killian. He proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Army. John made his career as a traffic manager with R. Markey and Sons and retired after many years of dedicated service.

Proud of his German heritage, he was a longtime member of the New York Gemuetlichen Enzianer German Club. John enjoyed playing cards in his leisure time, especially his favorite game, Sevens. Above all else, he loved and adored his wife, daughter and his two beautiful granddaughters, whom he cherished. John will be dearly missed by all.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Christine B. (Mueller) Killian; daughter, Michelle Passwaters and husband Jim of Bear, DE; brother, Richard Killian and wife Terry of Long Island, NY; granddaughters, Kendall and Kelsey Passwaters; and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held at 12:30 pm on Thursday afternoon, January 7, 2016, at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a visitation for family and friends will be held from 11:30 am until 12:30 pm. Interment with military honors will follow in the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear, DE.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in John’s memory may be made to Friends of Karen, 21 Perry St., Port Jefferson, NY 11777 or by visiting www.friendsofkaren.org.

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21 Condolences for John R. Killian

  • We are so sorry for your loss. John was a great man who raised a great family. We love you all.
    The Romeos

  • My fondest memories of John are from London Dr. when we all gathered together at one of the neighbors homes. New Years Eve at the Killians was always such a fun time. Christine and Michelle, my heart goes out to you, believe me I know. Be strong and your memories will help you through this terrible time.

    Thinking of you,
    Lorraine

  • To the whole Killian Family, John adored you in life as surely as he will be lovingly remembered in his new home in heaven. I know how much he will be missed especially by Christine , Michelle ,Jim and his two sweethearts he always could be seen with in the Village of Long Creek. We will miss you John. Love Maria and Lenny Tricarico.

  • Christine, Michelle, Jim, Kendall and Kelsey you all have our deepest sympathy for having to say goodbye to John far too soon. No words can lessen the pain your hearts are feeling at this time, but Joe and I hope that all the good times and the good memories will over time ease that pain and bring you comfort. He will be missed by all who knew him here in the Village. We can picture him at a grand heavenly table teaching everyone how to play Sevens and making sure they pay attention and follow the rules. You are all in our prayers for peace and comfort.

    Joe and Barbara Doto

  • Our deepest condolences to the entire Killian family. John will be sorely missed by all who knew him. May his memory be a blessing.

    In sympathy,
    Bob and Sharon Dickol

  • Our deepest sympathy to the whole family. He will be missed dearly from all of us. We will miss John…..

    Carol and Donnie

  • Christine, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Although there are no words that can lessen your pain at this time I hope it brings you some comfort to know that you have good friends in VOLC who care and will help you in any way we can. Cindy Lewis

  • Christine and family,
    You are very much in the thoughts and prayers of your London Drive family
    Our children all grew up together and we will always cherish our holiday parties
    John will always be in our hearts and wonderful memories

    Rocco and Carmella

  • We know John’s spirit will continue to be with you and your family, and it will give you strength as time goes on. Take comfort in knowing that his love for all of you never ends.

  • Christine and family,

    Please accept our heartfelt condolences. John will be missed.

    Mary and Gary Legreid

  • Christine.May you and your family know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time,

    Don Doto

  • Dear Christine and Family,

    We extend our deepest sympathy and prayer for all of you upon the loss of John. We knew him as a quiet and most wonderful neighbor who adored his family and was justly proud of his two lovely granddaughters. We would see him outside with Kelsey and Kendall while they road their bikes or played, and their safety was his number one objective.
    Christine, a sudden death is so difficult, but with the Lord’s help, the love of your daughter, son-in-law and the rest of the family, you will go forward. Additionally you have “family” in the VOLC and we are all here for you, as wanted or needed. You and John are two of our favorite people and shall remain so. This has to be the most difficult time you have faced, but knowing John is in a place of peace and did not suffer must be a consolation to you and all. May you and the family feel the blessings of the Lord, especially at this time.
    With love, Barbara and Joe Strasser

  • Dear Michelle, your Mom knows my sentiments via email. At the time I did not think to add my condolences to you and your daughters – especial Kendal who my husband and I got to know and love. You know my niece, Alison Tanchyk. My family and I send our sincere condolences to you for the loss of your Dad and to your daughters for the loss of their Pop-Pop. I had the pleasure of meeting your husband on his first day at Bank of America and I am glad you have such a nice person in your life who will be there for you to support you through this awful time. We think death is an end but now the beginning is that your Mom will be alone and you will find yourself more a part of your mother’s life. I sincerely send you my best wishes and give my love to your mother – I will get over there soon. I am still traveling for work which limits my time but I will see her soon.
    Sincerely,
    Kathy Karthaeuser

  • We are so sorry to hear if your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts.

  • Dear Christine and family,

    Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

    Don and Grace Hobson

  • Dear Michelle and Family,

    Our sincerest condolences to you and your family, may God be with you at this time of sorrow.
    You are in our prayers. Hermine and Reinhold

  • Dear Christine:
    We don’t have the words to express fully our sorrow in John’s passing. It was clear how much he loved his family when he talked, and most especially your granddaughters. He made playing Sevens a fun evening at the Clubhouse. We all at VOLC will miss him. I hope your many, many good memories will give you comfort and peace during this time of sorrow.

    Jim and Judy Davis

  • Dear Christine,

    Both Dennis and I were so shocked and saddened by John’s passing. Dennis truly loved talking to and playing cards with John. He always told me how interesting he was. Over time, I think that I was just getting to see John’s softer side. I am sad that I didn’t get to know him better.

    Dear Michelle and Family,

    I remember how difficult it was when my father died. Even though he had been sick for quite some time, it took quite awhile to accept that he was gone. I took comfort in the stories that his friends shared with me and when they told me how much like him I was. My father was very outspoken and you always knew where you stood with him. I think your dad was a lot like that. There is a lot to be said for speaking one’s mind.

    We send our love and prayers to all of you.

    Dennis and Joann Sabato

  • Michelle:

    I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all your family. God bless you any comfort you.

    Martha

  • Dear Christine and Family,

    I was so sorry to hear of John’s passing. Hopefully, in time, your many memories of happy times spent together will help to ease your loss.

    Please accept my heartfelt condolences.

    Valerie Landon

  • Know that we are thinking of you at this difficult time….

    Hugs,
    Jo Ann & Richard