Home Obituaries William R. Killian, 94

William R. Killian, 94

William R. Killian, retired U.S. Air Force Chief Master Sergeant died on Oct. 14, 2016. He was 94 years old. 

He was born in Brooklyn on December 4, 1921, the son of William and Mary (Terney) Killian.

Chief Killian entered military service in August 1942 and in 1981 retired after 40 years of military service. Among his awards and decorations, he was the recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross, Airman’s Medal, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Prisoner of War Medal and many more.

In 1944 while service in World War II as a radio operator/aerial gunner, his B-24 Liberator was shot down over enemy territory.  Two days later, he was captured by the Germans and became a POW at Stalag Luft IV.  He participated in the 86-day, 488-mile forced march before he was liberated on April 26, 1945.

On May 18, 1946, he married the former Margaret M. Joyce. Together they made their home in East Meadow before moving to the North Fork in 1971.

Predeceased by his wife of 70 years on July 3, 2016, he is survived by his children: Bill Killian, Jr. of Mattituck, Peggy Killian of Southold and Charlie Killian of East Quogue; a sister Mary; three grandchildren: Krista Maldonado, Heather Killian and Courtney Killian and a great-granddaughter Michaela.

He was also predeceased by brothers Frank and Paul Kilian.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at DeFriest-Grattan Funeral Home in Southold. Graveside services will be held on Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart R.C. Cemetery in Cutchogue.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Mattituck Fire Department Rescue Squad or Southold Fire Department Rescue Squad would be appreciated.

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