Search by Name

Search by Name

BORN

1957

DIED

2025

FUNERAL HOME

Koch Funeral Home - State College

2401 S. Atherton Street

State College, Pennsylvania

Kathleen DiMuccio Obituary

Kathy DiMuccio, a devoted spouse, mother, and sister, a gifted musician, and compassionate spirit, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2025, at the age of 67 in Savannah, Georgia.

Born on June 19, 1957, in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, Kathy grew up in State College, PA and was a 1975 State High graduate. She attended Penn State University and graduated with a degree in Human Development in 1979. Her musical journey began in 1975, singing with the "Phyrst Phamly", a sing-along band at a local bar, The Phyrst. Her early career took her to the Washington, D.C & Northern Virginia area, and later to San Mateo and San Francisco, California, where she worked as a computer programmer. Alongside her professional life, Kathy's love of music shined through as she performed solo guitar and vocals in small clubs several nights a week; a passion that remained central to her identity throughout her life.

From 1986 to 1989, Kathy returned to the Washington D.C. & Northern Virginia area and served as a Director of MIS, continuing to perform music in her free time. In 1988, she met Fred DiMuccio at the Phyrst and married him in 1990. Together, they built a life centered around love, family, and music. Kathy worked at Penn State until the birth of her first daughter in 1992, when she chose to stay home and raise her two girls, Maria and Kelly. She also worked part time doing payroll for her dad, Ernie, supporting the Phyrst, and doing payroll for other small businesses in the area.

In 2003, Kathy began sharing her music with children at the YMCA, which blossomed into the founding of Music Together of State College in 2004, where she was affectionately known as "Miss Kathy". Her program introduced numerous families to the joy of making music, growing to 14 classes a week, and reaching as many as 130 students weekly. Music Together not only fulfilled her love of music, but also her love of children. She continued to run the program until she and Fred moved to Savannah in 2018.

Kathy's musical journey also included swing and jazz performances with a trio starting in 2002, gracing local stages such as the Allen Street Stage at the Arts Festival. Her joy of music and deep empathy later led her to sing for seniors at care facilities in State College starting in 2012; a mission she continued with heartfelt dedication after relocating to Savannah. From 2018 to 2024, she regularly brought sing-along performances to 10 to 15 senior facilities per month, offering comfort and connection through song.

Kathy always embraced exercise and fitness. She was a jogger in her early years and later became an avid speed walker. She closely followed professional tennis and loved to cheer on Penn State Football with her family. In her free time in retirement, she fulfilled her love of children and babies by volunteering in the local NICU.

Kathy is survived by her loving husband, Fred DiMuccio, her daughters, Maria DiMuccio and Kelly Flanagan (JT), and her beloved siblings, Carol Wood, Peggy Laffan (Bob), Rob Oelbermann, Susan Rice (Mark), and nine nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Becky and Ernie Oelbermann, and her brother Mark. She will be remembered for her warm smile, boundless creativity, and unwavering commitment to spreading joy through music.

A Visitation will be held on Friday, June 13th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service on Saturday, June 14th, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Both events will take place at Koch Funeral Home at 2401 S Atherton St, State College, PA 16801.

In remembrance of Kathy, we welcome flowers to be sent to Koch Funeral Home for her service. Alternatively, donations may be made to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation at https://www.cholangiocarcinoma.org/donate/.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Centre Daily Times from May 7 to May 9, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Kathleen DiMuccio

Sponsored by Centre Daily Times.

Not sure what to say?





Debra (Nolan) Wenner

June 15, 2025

RIP dear Kathy!

Storm Taliaferrow

June 8, 2025

My family was blessed to attend Miss Kathy´s music classes. She radiated love and joy. Both my children are now accomplished musicians. Every one of her classes was a celebration, and each child felt welcome and encouraged. Thank you, Miss Kathy, for cultivating a love of music in the very young. My condolences to her family and loved ones. May her memory be a blessing always.

Peaceful Reflections

Ken & Debbie Darnall & Family

Sent Flowers

Sandra Podgurski

May 21, 2025

Fred,
So sorry to read about Kathy. You two were a pair to be reckoned with.

Phyllis & Eric Johnston

May 16, 2025

Sympathies to all of her family on her death. She was quite the organizer and musician and music was her life!

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Brian Oelbermann and Holly

Planted Trees

Randy Newnham, PSU '88

May 14, 2025

Thank you for helping to keep the memory of your father and the Phryst Phamly alive! So many thousands of people were touched by that group, and by your later musical career. You have left such a great legacy!

Compassion Christian Church Henderson

May 13, 2025

We love you and thank you for being such a light.

Peaceful Reflections

Compassion Christian Church

Sent Flowers

Eva Long

May 9, 2025

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

Carol Rabian

May 8, 2025

Thank you, Kathy, for sharing your gifts of music and love! You will be missed by many!

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results

Make a Donation
in Kathleen DiMuccio's name

Memorial Events
for Kathleen DiMuccio

Jun

13

Visitation

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Koch Funeral Home

2401 S Atherton St, State College, PA 16801

Jun

14

Funeral service

1:00 p.m.

Koch Funeral Home

2401 S Atherton St, State College, PA 16801

Funeral services provided by:

Koch Funeral Home - State College

2401 S. Atherton Street, State College, PA 16801

How to support Kathleen's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services., and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor Kathleen DiMuccio's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more