Delaware County’s commerce director, J. Patrick Killian, has retired after a 50-year career in public service, writes Kathleen E. Carey for the Daily Times.

 Killian, son of a Scranton miner, also worked for, and was a friend of, U.S. Sen. John Heinz.

“My original intent was to retire last December,” the 72-year-old Havertown resident said.

But after businesses were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, he decided to stay on as director of the Delaware County Commerce Center.

Killian was Sen. Heinz’s press secretary and executive assistant going back to 1976.

“We were incredibly close,” he said, adding that a lot of what he learned was from the senator. “He was the straightest shooter in the world.”

Killian took over the county’s commerce activity more than 29 years ago from the Partnership for Economic Development.

Under his guidance, he created an administration that encouraged business growth.

His first big project was Baldwin Towers, which had been empty for 20 years.

He got it filled and has kept it filled.

He was also involved in having SAP bring its national headquarters to Newtown Square.

Other success stories?  Bringing Harrah’s and a soccer stadium to Chester.

Read more about J. Patrick Killian at the Daily Times.