Trappe Remembers Michael Killian

Michael Killian, a former Trappe resident and PECO employee, died five years ago in a work-related accident. However, as indicated by the turnout for his memorial plaque unveiling at on Monday, the love for a husband, father, co-worker and friend will always remain.

Before the service, family and PECO co-workers chatted and children, including his daughters Grace and Emily, romped and climbed around the playground that has been built and dedicated in Mr. Killian's memory.

Longtime co-workers and friends Bill Newland and Deke Friday, at time, found talking about Mr. Killian to be an emotional experience. However, they also fondly remembered his "friendly ribbing."
"Mike kept things fun," Newland said.

The pair -- like many others Monday -- remembered the miserable weather that accompanied the playground work, and thought their friend probably got a kick out of the predicament.
"Mike was laaaaaauuugggghiiinnng," Newland said, drawing out the last word.

After the unveiling, his family members each took a balloon -- attached to a personal message written to Mr. Killian -- and released it into the sky as Lonestar's "I'm Already There" played. The group then embraced each other and wiped away tears.