Karen Cordaro

Karen Cordaro was born on April 21, 1945, in Youngstown, Ohio, the daughter of the late Leon and Margaret (Murphy) Altenderfer. She passed away peacefully on September 7, 2025, with her family by her side. A longtime resident of Shaler Township, Karen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Thomas J. Cordaro.
Affectionately known as "Mrs. C," Karen was the founder and current consultant of the Act One Theatre School in Pittsburgh, which she established more than 40 years ago. Through her remarkable ability to blend a love of theater and education, she inspired generations of young performers and instilled in them a lifelong appreciation for the arts.
Karen is survived by her beloved children, Kate Cordaro and her husband Kevin Camoosa, and J. Alex Cordaro and his wife Suzanne T. O'Brien. She also leaves behind her cherished grandsons, Thomas Cordaro, Max Cordaro, and Marcus Cordaro Camoosa.
A Celebration of Life for Karen Cordaro will take place on Saturday, November 29, 2025 from 12:00-5:00pm at Divine Providence Chapel, 9000 Babcock Blvd, Allison Park, PA 15101.
The Celebration will be an open house where friends, students, and loved ones can gather, and have opportunities to share memories of Mrs. C. at 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30, and 4:30pm.
Information about the Livestream of the 4:30pm sharing will be forthcoming.
In lieu of flower arrangements, Karen's family asks you to consider a tax-deductible donation to the Emma Munson Foundation.
at the link below.