Peter Richard Mulik

1940 - 2021

Peter Richard "Dick" Mulik, 81, of Bluffton, South Carolina, passed away Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021, 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 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 Research & Development and in several leadership roles, travelled the world for the company and established lifelong 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 the Church of the Palms in Okatie, S.C., where he and Aura Lee enjoyed Pastor Pete Berntson's Sunday sermons. Dick also participated in the church's weekly Brothers Bible Study Group.

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

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.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2022, at Lamar Christ Funeral Home, 31 Mahanoy Ave., Tamaqua. Calling hours are from 9:30 to 11 a.m. with the service following. Interment will occur after the service at the White Church Cemetery on Church Road in Tamaqua. There will be a luncheon to follow at Basile's on Rt. 309, Hometown. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to The Church of the Palms, 1425 Okatie Highway, Okatie, SC 29909, or to your charity of choice.