Robert D. "Bob" Marciniak

1939 - 2024

Robert D. "Bob" Marciniak

May 7, 1939 - July 9, 2024

State College, Pennsylvania - Robert D. "Bob" Marciniak, 85, of State College, died Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at home.

Born May 7, 1939, in West Hazelton, Pennsylvania, he was the son of the late Michael and Mary Marciniak. On June 27, 1964 he married Gloria Jean Dubil, who preceded him in death. Bob and Gloria were married for 45 years.

He is survived by two daughters, Suzanne Barbella and her husband John of Plymouth, MN and Kristen Maginnis and her husband Paul of Sammamish, WA and six grandchildren, Jack Barbella (Chicago), Lindsey Barbella (Anaheim, CA), and Lucy Barbella (PSU Class of 2026) and Sarah Maginnis (PSU Class of 2025), Rachel Maginnis (Cal Poly Class of 2028), and Carly Maginnis (Skyline HS Class of 2027). In addition to his parents and wife, Bob was preceded in death by a sister, Carol Ritter and his son, Rob Marciniak.

Bob graduated from West Hazleton Area High School in 1957. Raised in coal country, Bob's father worked in the coal mines. Several close calls and a visit to the mine inspired Bob to use his strong intellect and pursue his education. He made his way to State College in 1959 and earned his BS in Mechanical Engineering, his MS in Engineering Acoustics and his PhD in Engineering Acoustics from Penn State while working full-time and raising a family.

During his 54 year career at ARL, he worked as a Research and Development Engineer. He is recognized internationally as a pre-eminent leader in the acoustics field, having published scores of research, owning many patents in several different disciplines and earning more than 30 research awards. Although his focus during his career was largely on undersea systems, Bob also contributed to the automotive, aerospace, oil and semi-conductor industries, developed audio technology and participated in multiple biomedical research projects. Bob traveled extensively in his position and worked with other R&D Engineers across the globe.

Bob and Gloria were passionate about raising their family in State College. Even with a career that took him around the world many times over, Bob was always there for his family, never missing an event, athletic tournament or performance. He was a family man through and through and took great pride in the achievements of his children and grandchildren. He was especially proud that his first four grandchildren all decided to attend college in Pennsylvania (3 at Penn State) as they visited him regularly. He had a special connection with each of his grandkids and had the utmost confidence that they would have great success. Following his humble lead, Bob has been a great role model to follow. Dr. Bob will be missed by family and friends alike who could always count on him for his unique insight and a laugh.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, July 20, 2024 at 9am eastern at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 820 Westerly Parkway, State College, PA with Father George Jakopac officiating.

Burial will be at Centre County Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Robert Michael Marciniak Memorial Scholarship Fund

c/o Centre Foundation

1377 Ridge Master Drive

State College, PA 16803

Robert Michael Marciniak Memorial Scholarship Fund - Centre Foundation (centre-foundation.org)

Online condolences may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.