Peter Richard Mulik

Peter Richard (Dick) Mulik, 81, of Bluffton, South Carolina, passed away Thursday, December 30, 2021, surrounded by close family and friends.

Dick was born on January 31, 1940, in Hazleton, PA., 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, PA., in 1961.

Dick began his career as a process engineer with Union Carbide Corporation in Tonawanda, NY. In 1963, he and Aura Lee relocated to Pittsburgh, PA., 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 several Research & 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, PA. 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, SC, 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 is predeceased by this late son Peter Richard (Rick) Mulik, Jr. and his parents, Peter and Helen.

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.

A memorial service will be held in April 2022, at Christ Lamar Funeral Home in Hometown, PA. at a date and time to be announced.

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