Peter Richard "Dick" Mulik

1940 - 2021

Peter Richard "Dick" Mulik, 81, of Bluffton, S.C., passed away Dec. 30 surrounded by close family and friends.

Dick was born Jan. 31, 1940, in Hazleton, to Peter and Helen (Skasko) Mulik. He graduated from McAdoo High School in 1957. While in high school, he played the clarinet in the band and was active in the Boy Scouts of America, where he earned the rank of Eagle Scout.

Dick went on to attend Pennsylvania State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering in 1961. As an engineering student, he joined the American Society of Chemical Engineers and remained an active member throughout his career.

He married Aura Lee Clemens, of Quakake, in 1961.

Dick began his career as a process engineer with Union Carbide Corp. in Tonawanda, N.Y. In 1963, he and Aura Lee relocated to Pittsburgh, where he started his tenure at Westinghouse's nuclear propulsion system group. While at Westinghouse, Dick enrolled at Carnegie-Mellon University in 1965, where he earned a Master of Science degree in chemical engineering, followed by a Doctor of Philosophy degree in chemical engineering. As a graduate student, Dick was selected to and remained a member of the honor society of Phi Kappa Phi. Also, in 1973, Dick earned his professional engineering license in Pennsylvania, which he held until his retirement.

During his 35-plus years at Westinghouse, Dick worked in several research and development and leadership roles, travelled the world for the company and established life-long friendships with many colleagues. Additionally, he contributed numerous articles to professional journals and chapters to technical books.

Dick was also an avid Pittsburgh and Penn State sports fan. In particular, he enjoyed ice hockey and following the Pittsburgh Penguins. He was active in Gateway High School's Ice Hockey Club in Monroeville. He served as the club's vice president and president from 1989 to 1993. He also enjoyed camping and fishing and spending time with his grandchildren.

Dick was an active member of Church of the Palms, Okatie, S.C., where he and Aura Lee enjoyed Pastor Pete Bernston's Sunday sermons. Dick also participated in the church's weekly Brothers Bible Study Group.

Dick is survived by his wife, Aura Lee; his son, Bryan and daughter-in-law, Caitlyn; his sister, Helene Radley and her husband, Wayne; sister-in-law, Brenda DeWire and her husband, Gary; nieces, Denise Hanas and Tiffany Lombardi; beloved grandchildren, Zea Stittsworth, Jaden Stittsworth, Caroline Mulik and Maggie Mulik.

Dick was predeceased by his son, Peter Richard "Rick" Mulik Jr.; and his parents, Peter and Helen.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Church of the Palms, 1425 Okatie Highway, Okatie, SC 29909, or to the charity of the donor's choice.

A memorial service will be held in April at Lamar Christ Funeral Home in Hometown at a date and time to be announced.