Carol Licastro

Carol R. Licastro, a resident of State College, Pa., for over 60 years, was born on June 9, 1941, and passed away peacefully on December 31, 2023, after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.

She was born Carol Roberts Rupp in Lancaster, Pa., to Theodore Hanna Rupp and Earla Mary Roberts Rupp. She graduated from McCaskey High School in Lancaster and received a Bachelor of Arts from Penn State, where she was a founding member of the university’s Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority chapter.

Carol was uniquely blessed with creative talents. She began her art career as an art teacher in Centre County schools and later became known for her ceramic artwork. Her handmade pieces, which included ornaments, figurines, and Penn State memorabilia, were very popular and sold at galleries, arts festivals, and shops across Pennsylvania. Her “Eve” ornament was honored as the first ornament selected for sale at the Palmer Museum of Art’s annual Christmas tree sale and first-time ornament sale. Several of her pieces received awards and accolades in various magazines, and her Christmas ornaments still adorn the trees of many locals.

Carol also collected and sold a variety of antiques. She had a particular interest in vintage dolls and wrote several articles about them over the years. She also used her artistic skills to repair and refurbish dolls and their clothing. Her self-developed skills and knowledge even reached the level where other vintage doll collectors would routinely consult her about repairs and sale values.

Carol’s warmth, humor, and joy permeated every aspect of her life and touched everyone she knew. She treasured her many friends, all of whom have countless stories about the fun andoften hilarious “adventures” they had together over the years. She likewise adored animals and gave several stray cats a warm and loving home, her oath of servitude, and prominent placement in much of her artwork.

Above all, she cherished her family. She was kind, compassionate, intelligent, and understanding, which made her a great listener and trusted confidant to her sister, sons, and grandkids. She was always there for her family no matter what and never missed a special date, game, or event. Although sheoccasionally wrote articles for the local paper about funny “family” moments that somehow embarrassed everyone but her, her family knew she had their backs. Even during the most difficult times, she never worried about herself and always knew precisely what to say to make others feel better. For that and so much more, she will be forever loved and missed.

Carol is survived by her sister, Patricia Solomon, of Lancaster, Pa., her two sons, Joseph Licastro, of Washington, D.C, and Ted Licastro, of Sewickley, Pa., and her two grandchildren through them, Evan Licastro and Anna Licastro, respectively.

The family will host a spring celebration of life in honor of Carol Licastro on Saturday, May 4, 2024, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Centre Hills Country Club, 153 Country Club Road, State College, Pa. Please join us for wine and hors d’oeuvres and to share your joyous memories of her wonderful life. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate in Carol’s honor to your favorite animal charity.