Walter "Walt" J. Kilian, Jr.

Walter J. Kilian Jr. died peacefully at home Friday, May 23, 2025, surrounded by his wife and three children.  He breathed his last as Rev. John Britto Antony, pastor of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Community in Viera, administered the Sacrament of the Sick.

Walter is survived by his loving spouse of 32 years, Mary Lou Kilian; his sister, Yolanda Butler (John) of Arizona; and four children: Michael W. Kilian of Rochester, New York; Anne Marie Egan (Terry) of Fairport, New York; Kathryn A. Bantz (Ricky) of Cuthbert, Georgia; and Brenda A Segall (Jordan) of Lutherville, Maryland; and nine grandchildren.

He was born Walter Rodney on March 24, 1935, in Auburn, New York, the first child of Walter J. Kilian Sr. and Mary (Lasagna) Kilian.  He grew up close to both his Italian and Polish relatives and was grateful for that heritage throughout his life. He treasured memories of fishing with his father as a young boy in the lakes of upper New York state. 

A graduate of Auburn High School, Walter proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956.  At one point, he was stationed at the Thule Air Base in Greenland, holding the position of quartermaster.  Walt was known as a card player and made pocket money playing - and winning - card games with his military buddies. Following his service, he benefited from the GI Bill and graduated in 1960 from Michigan State University with a bachelor's degree.  He remained an enthusiastic Spartan fan for his entire life.

Walter became a Certified Public Accountant and began his career working for Price Waterhouse in Rochester, New York.  He next moved to the Finance Department of RF Communications also in Rochester, eventually becoming Controller.  Walt's work was valued, and he stayed with the company after it was purchased in 1969 by Harris Corporation.  He was promoted to serve as Sector Chief Financial Officer, then later Sector Vice President at the company headquarters in Melbourne, Florida.  In his various professional roles, Walter enjoyed traveling across the globe and chose to continue this adventurous travel throughout his retirement.

Walt loved being a father he was active in his children's lives and had happy memories of supporting their endeavors as they grew up.  He was proud of his children and grandchildren and valued those relationships throughout his life.

In his retirement, Walt and his wife Mary Lou found great joy traveling the world over, spending considerable time in Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean.  When at home he had a rich and active life.  He appreciated time spent with countless beloved friends in the Melbourne area and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

Walter and Mary Lou were parishioners at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Community in Viera, Florida. For 12 years, they facilitated the parish Thanksgiving food drive as well as a Lenten, long-sleeve shirt drive, to benefit the migrant community, in Fellsmere, Florida.  Walt also volunteered with the parish team at Daily Bread serving the hungry and the unhoused.

Walt's Celebration of life Mass will take place at 12:00 noon on Friday, June 20th, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Community in Viera, FL.

In Lieu of flowers, donations in Walter's memory may be made to Daily Bread, online at http://bit.ly/3Hrh9Rs or by mail: Daily Bread, P.O. Box 39, Melbourne, FL  32902