Scott Comparato

Dr. Scott Alson Comparato, 56, passed away surrounded by his loving family on July 25, 2025, in Carbondale, Illinois.

Born on March 6, 1969, in St. Louis, Missouri, Scott graduated from Kirkwood High School in Kirkwood, Missouri. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree double majoring in history and political science from Indiana University in Bloomington and later earned his Ph.D. in political science (and, arguably, darts) from Washington University in St. Louis.

Scott served as an Associate Professor in Political Science at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale where he impacted countless students' lives. He was a scholar of law and courts and is the author of "Amici Curiae and Strategic Behavior in State Supreme Courts." His dedication to civic engagement extended beyond the classroom when he served on the Aquatics Committee for the Carbondale Parks District. He was very active in planning and fundraising for the Carbondale Splash Park. He also served on the Jackson County Board as well as the Jackson County Health Department Board, contributing to the community he called home longer than any other place he lived.

He had a wide range of interests outside his professional life. An avid cyclist and outdoorsman, he enjoyed hiking and camping. He was also a woodworker and home renovator who took pride in hands-on projects. A passionate storyteller, he brought creativity and humor to games of Dungeons & Dragons.

Scott appreciated culture in many forms-he was an enthusiastic reader and follower of current events, a music lover who played guitar, and a film enthusiast with a particular fondness for 1970s movies often quoting lines with perfect comedic timing. If you ever wanted to guess his computer passwords, a quote from "The Princess Bride" or "Spinal Tap" would be a great start.

People who knew and loved Scott remark on his "wicked wit," "ability to make space for everyone in a conversation," and "dry sense of humor."

As a devoted father and scholar, Scott instilled the importance of intellectual curiosity and the love of learning in the most important students in his life, his children Maura and Alia.

He is survived by his spouse Angela Reinoehl; daughters Maura Comparato and Alia Comparato; sister Kelle Dildine (Dennis); and brother Jeff Comparato (Melissa). He was preceded in death by his parents, Vincent and Jean Comparato.

A celebration of Scott's life will be held at a later date to honor the remarkable person he was-a man who turned the world up to 11 just by being in it. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him and continue to inspire all whose lives he touched.

Donations may be made in his name to ACLU (https://action.aclu.org/give/now) or Glioblastoma Research Organization (https://www.gbmresearch.org/donate)