Lt. Col. Theodore J. Killian, USAF (Ret.), 99

Lt. Col. Theodore J. Killian, USAF Retired, age 99, formerly of Mountain Top and Plymouth Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on June 16, 2025. A retired educator from the Wyoming Valley West School District and a decorated U.S. Air Force veteran, he lived a life of service, devotion, and love.

He was married for 75 years to the former Alberta Novick Killian, who preceded him in death in September 2024. He was the son of the late Theodore and Josephine Killian of Plymouth, PA. Ted and Alberta made their home in Mountain Top, PA for over 55 years.

Lt. Col. Killian served honorably in the United States Air Force Active and Reserve forces for over 32 years, retiring in 1975 with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He enlisted as an aviation cadet during World War II, earning his pilot’s wings and serving as a fighter pilot. He flew numerous aircraft, including the P-40, P-51, C-119, and the C-141 Starlifter. His military career spanned World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He served as Squadron Commander for both the 326th Squadron at Dover Air Force Base and the 732nd Squadron at McGuire Air Force Base, accumulating over 5,000 flight hours and earning the distinction of Command Pilot.

His military decorations include the American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Combat Readiness Metal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Air Reserve Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Longevity Award Ribbon, and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award.

Ted graduated from the former Harter High School and went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce and Finance from Wilkes University, majoring in accounting. He later earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Bucknell University in 1958. He taught for 35 years at Wilkes-Barre Business College, Plymouth High School, and Wyoming Valley West, retiring in 1989.

He was a faithful member of St. Jude’s Church in Mountain Top. He held memberships in the PSEA, American Legion, VFW, and the Reserve Officers Association. An avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, boating, and fishing with his close friend Tony Palischak.

He was preceded in death by his eldest son, Tedd Killian, in 2024 (survived by his wife, MaryBeth Killian). He is also survived by his son Richard Killian and wife Marie of Lancaster, and daughter Coleen Killian Hoffman and husband Charles of Florida. He leaves behind five beloved grandchildren: Kevin, Eric, Laura, Karine, and Alexander. Great grandchildren Victoria, Weston, Wyatt and Cassidy.

He was also preceded in death by his sister, Julia Kaczynski of Plymouth, and brothers John, Joseph, Frank, Leo and Walter Killian

Ted was known for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering faith. He remained devoted to his daily prayers until the end.

A viewing will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 23, at St. Jude’s Church in Mountain Top, PA, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be at All Saints Cemetery (formerly St. Mary’s Nativity) in Plymouth.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Ascend Hospice, 1120 Welsh Road, Suite 220, Gwynedd Corporate Center, North Wales, PA 19454.