John Joseph Kanet

John “Jack” Joseph Kanet, 79, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2025 surrounded by loving family. He was born in Chicago, IL to the late John and Irene Kanet on March 13, 1946.

He grew up in Tyrone, PA where he first became a fan of the Penn State Nittany Lions. After graduating from Lehigh University, he worked at Black & Decker in Maryland as Production & Inventory Control Manager over the largest power tool manufacturing facility in the nation. He later earned a doctoral degree from Penn State University and began his career in academia, dedicating many years to teaching business and production management and inspiring countless students with his knowledge and passion. He was on the faculty of University of Georgia and Texas A&M University, before coming to Clemson University in 1986 as the Burlington Professor of Management. He then went to the University of Dayton as Professor and Niehaus Chair of Operations Management. His research and innovations in manufacturing are recognized internationally. After retirement he returned to Clemson.

Jack also had two prestigious appointments as a Fulbright Scholar in Germany. Being in the homeland of this father, Jack was reconnected with relatives and was inspired to explore family history. Along with daughter Caroline and her family, he made a historic trek in 2024 exploring sights of significance to the Kanet family.

In addition to his professional achievements, Jack’s proudest accomplishment was his family. He cherished every moment spent with them, creating lasting memories filled with love and joy. Outside of family, he had a wide array of interests including running, cheering for the Clemson Tigers and the Yankee’s, reading, and loving animals.

Jack was known for his sarcastic, intelligent humor, bringing a light-hearted spirit to both his professional and personal life. Those who knew him enjoyed his ability to make them laugh and think at the same time.

Jack is survived by his three children: Caroline Peani (Pablo) of Vashon, Washington, John Kanet (Coreen) of Cumming, GA, and Colleen Pringle (Nate) of Discovery Bay, CA; six grandchildren: Paolo Peani (Liz), Isabella Peani, Nolan Kanet, Lyla Kanet, Nathan Pringle Jr., and Cole Pringle; sister, Sister Kathleen Kanet of New York City; and former wives with whom he remained close, Christa Kanet of Munich, Germany, and Priscilla Kanet of Clemson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Saint Andrews Catholic Church in Clemson or the charity of your choice.

A celebration of life will be on December 6th in Clemson, SC. A memorial mass will be held at 10:00am at Saint Andrews Catholic Church (209 Sloan Street), followed by a reception from 1:30-4:30pm at Country Walk Clubhouse (100 Country Walk Ln).