Obituary of Anthony J. Ferraro

Anthony J. Ferraro, age 87, passed away on October 25, 2018 at Mount Nittany Medical Center. He was born April 4, 1931 in Erie, PA to Joseph and Anna Ferraro. He was married on July 6, 1958 to Carol Matheson Ferraro in Ridgway, PA. who survives him. They enjoyed 60 years of marriage together. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Helen Guthrie, and her husband, James, and his son, Joseph Ferraro, and his wife, Polly. He is survived by four grandchildren, Robert Guthrie, Michael Guthrie, Travis Guthrie, and his wife Kelsey, and Maria Ferraro. Tony was proud of the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. Tony graduated from Academy High School in Erie, PA. in 1948. He attended Penn State Behrend campus for two years and transferred to the University Park campus where he earned a B.S., M.S., and PhD in Electrical Engineering at age 28. He accepted a position as Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering at Penn State University and devoted his career to higher education for 42 years. He had a long and distinguished career in academia and made numerous significant contributions to the research areas of antennas and electromagnetic wave interactions with the ionosphere. He was a pioneer and world authority on methods for generating ELF radio signals by modulating the ionosphere current systems from ground based high frequency transmitting facilities. Tony was awarded the inaugural Kirby Chair Professorship in the Department of Electrical Engineering for being a clear and consistent leader in teaching, research, and service in the field of electromagnetics. He was elected a IEEE fellow in 1988. In 2001, he retired from Penn State as Distinguished Professor Emeritus. Tony was an extraordinary educator, mentor, role model, and best friend to many faculty, staff, and students. In 2001, the A.J. Ferraro Graduate Research Award was established to honor his exceptional career. His legacy along with his notable contributions and service will continue to make noteworthy impact for years to come. Tony was a ham radio operator and made friends around the world. He enjoyed having coffee and lunch weekly with his local group of friends. At various times during his life, his hobbies included woodworking, bread baking, gardening, card playing with other couples, and learning to play the snare drum in his fifties. Tony enjoyed exercising and socializing with his many friends at the gym. He was loved by his family and friends and will be deeply missed. Visitation will be Tuesday, October 30, 2018 at 1:00 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St, State College, PA. A service will follow at 2:00 with the Reverent Scott Schul officiating. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Penn State University. Indicate "A.J. Ferraro Graduate Research Award" in the memo line of your check and mail to Amy Sharer, 101 Hammond Building, University Park, PA, 16802.