Joseph Anthony Andolina

Joseph Anthony Andolina, 81, of State College, Pennsylvania and Surprise, Arizona passed away on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at his home in State College, Pennsylvania.
Joe was born on June 8, 1944 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania to the late Samuel and Sarah (Mitchell) Andolina. In August of 1968, he married his college sweetheart, Barbara A. (Vota) Andolina of Leechburg, Pennsylvania.
Joe was a 1966 graduate of Bishop McCort High School, Johnstown, Pennsylvania. He became a licensed barber and helped support his mother and younger brother barbering summers in their family barbershop. Joe worked diligently barbering while attending Clarion University where he received his Comprehensive Social Studies undergraduate degree in 1966. He earned his Master's Degree in British History at Kent State University, Ohio, in 1970. Joe attended Penn State University working on his doctorate degree in British History. He was a beloved teacher in St. Mary's, Pennsylvania, State College Area High School and finally Lewistown Area High School where he retired in 2006.
Joe enjoyed music of all genres, especially jazz and was proud of his Italian ancestry. After retirement, Joe and his wife lived six months in State College and six months in Surprise, Arizona. He loved to sit in the bright Arizona sun surrounded by his five fruit trees. Joe was known for his humor, love of history, had the distinct ability to converse with anyone and is fondly and easily remembered by his western hat he always wore. He loved traveling, growing a vegetable garden, attending Penn State football games and spending time with his grandchildren, dog and cats.
Joe is survived by his wife of 57 years, Barbara; his son, Matthew Andolina and family, grandson, Luke of Orlando, Florida; daughter, Alicia-Maria Benner of Centre Hall, Pennsylvania, her husband Phil and two granddaughters, Reagan and Laine; and his youngest daughter, Shauna-Maria Andolina.
Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel and Sarah Andolina and three brothers, Edward and wife Eleanor, brother Guy, and brother Samuel and wife.
Friends and family will be received for visitation Monday, October 20, 5:00-7:00pm, at Haky/Georgiana Centre County Funeral Home, 1034 Benner Pike, State College, PA, 16801. Mass will be celebrated Tuesday, October 21, 2025, 11:00 am at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 820 Westerly Pkwy, State College, PA 16801 with Father Matthew Laffey officiating. A private burial will be held.
Online condolences are appreciated.
Arrangements by Haky/Georgiana Centre County Funeral Home.