Walter John Kivala Jr.

Walter John Kivala Jr. Seneca, South Carolina Walter John Kivala Jr. of Keowee Key, Salem, SC, passed away Saturday morning, August 27th, at age 87. John died peacefully at home with his loving wife, Mildred Kivala, of 64 years, and family members. Born in Westmorland County, PA, on July 17, 1935, to father Walter Kivala and mother Anne Safran. John grew up mostly in Jeannette, PA, with his extended family and 2 brothers, L. Peter and Samual C. Peduzzi. While attending Jannette High School, John won the prestigious Buhl Planetarium Science Award in 1953. John went on to graduate from Penn State University in 1957 and was a proud member of the Alpha Chi Sigma Fraternity. Upon graduation, John began his career with Harbison-Walker Refractories in 1957 in Pittsburgh, PA. A mere 41 years later, he retired from Harbison as the Director of Marketing, Asia-Pacific division in Singapore. His extensive travel took him to nearly every state in the US and 27 countries. John considered himself lucky to have the opportunity to share many of his world travel adventures with his wife. In 1957, while working for Harbison-Walker, John entered the Critical Skills program with the U.S. Navy. He then served in the Naval Reserves from 1957 until 1965. John was an avid reader, enjoyed anything involving electronics, was an enthusiastic storyteller, and was on a never-ending quest for projects with anyone who would join his mission. John’s retirement landed he and Millie in the mountains of SC at Lake Keowee. They spent more than 22 years enjoying the endless scenery surrounding their home, including the many waterfalls, golf courses, and the lake's hundreds of miles of shoreline and islands. They spent countless hours enjoying the area with their 3 children and 9 grandchildren. They are forever grateful to the wonderful people and lifelong friends they have made in Keowee Key. John is survived by his loving wife Mildred Ann Young Kivala, his two brothers, Pete Peduzzi (Lois), Sam Peduzzi (Edwina), and children Judy Kivala Kimball (Bob), Walter Kivala III (Donna), and Mary Kivala Dwyer (Steve). Along with grandchildren Anne Jackson (Hugh), John Kimball, and Emma Kimball. Adelaide Kivala, Isabelle Kivala, Clairese Kivala, and Walter Kivala IV. Eva Dwyer, Andrew Dwyer, and the many nieces, nephews, and cousins. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to Hospice of the foothills, 390 Keowee School Rd. Seneca, South Carolina. Mountain View Funerals and Cremations is assisting the family of Mr. Kivala.

Walter John Kivala Jr.

July 17, 1935 - August 27, 2022