Mar 1, 2021

Kenneth D. “Mole” McWilliams, of Canonsburg, passed away Saturday, February 27, 2021, following a six-month battle with esophageal cancer.

He was born April 15, 1954, in Canonsburg, a son of William Earl and Annetta Hazlett McWilliams. Following his parents’ death when he was a teenager, he and his brother, Thomas, were raised by his aunt and guardian, Marie McWilliams.

Ken graduated from Chartiers-Houston High School, where he played football and wrestled. Here, he met his high-school sweetheart, Sandy Hammond, with whom he recently celebrated 45 years of marriage.

Ken remained active in sports after graduation. He coached football at Chartiers-Houston and Peters Township. He also coached his daughters for many years of softball. Ken truly enjoyed refereeing wrestling. He refereed for more than 48 years and officiated 26 West Virginia State Championships in Huntington. He was also well respected in Pennsylvania, receiving the Tri-County League’s prestigious “Excellence in Officiating Award” in 2016.

Ken volunteered many years for Canonsburg Town Park completing projects including building more than 60 picnic tables and the gazebo with help from friends.

Ken worked for the Postal Service for more than 35 years before retiring. The last 10 years Ken served as a paraprofessional in the Peters Township School District working with children with special needs.

Ken’s greatest joy was spending time with his family, traveling and playing games.

He leaves behind his daughters, Dr. Joslyn Bilitski and her husband, Barry of Stockdale, and Whitney Solvay and her husband, John of Canonsburg. He also loved spending time with his grandson, Reid Bilitski. Additionally, he leaves behind many nieces and nephews.

Friends will be received from 1 to 3 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 4, in the McIlvaine-Speakman Funeral Home Ltd., Robert K. McIlvaine, owner/supervisor, 27 Cherry Avenue, Houston, PA 15342, where services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 5, with the Rev. Dr. Randall Bush officiating.

Due to present circumstances, masks must be worn and social distancing guidelines should be followed.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Friends of the Park, P.O. Box 4, Canonsburg, PA 15317, or https://www.friendsofthepark1923.com/what-we-do for future projects including pickleball.

Condolences may be left by viewing the obituary at www.mcilvaine-speakman.com.