Carlo George Pantano

Carlo George Pantano, 74, of Pennsylvania Furnace, died Saturday, May 31, 2025 with family by his side.
Born December 17, 1950, in Paterson, NJ, he was the son of Carlo and Camille Harraka Pantano, Sr. and beloved husband of 48 years to Jacqueline Ann Pantano (nee Nugent) who preceded him in death.
Carlo completed his Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Florida in 1976, after which he spent 3 years at the University of Dayton. He was a Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Penn State University in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, and served as Director of the Materials Research Institute through 2014.
His time at Penn State was prolific. In addition to his own innovative research on glass surface science, he was committed to fostering interdisciplinary activities, creating spaces and opportunities for collaboration. He brought together scientists with artists and conservators of glass, and the fields of materials science and life science. He taught and mentored countless students, and took great pride in this part of his work. He was recognized for his leadership, ground-breaking research, and dedication as an educator.
Carlo enthusiastically pursued his interests, and over the years he had many. He was an adventurous traveler and gracious party host. He threw himself into food and cooking, running and biking, glass art and music, skiing and winemaking. He was a doting grandpa who delighted in his grandkids and could see nothing else when they were around. His family misses him very much.
He is survived by two children, Lindsay Knapp and her husband Brian of State College, and Matthew Pantano and his wife Emma of Pine Grove Mills; six grandchildren, Koan, Lana, Vincent, and Teresa Pantano and Camilla and Margaret Knapp; and three siblings, Samuel Pantano and his wife Jeanne, Jayne Pantano, and Linda Porzio and her husband Leonard. In addition to his wife, Carlo was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Elaine Pantano.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 4 pm at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College with Deacon Dave Lapinski officiating.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association at https://www.alz.org
Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.