UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Lou Prato, a 1959 Penn State alumnus, distinguished journalist, author and University historian, passed away at the age of 87 on Tuesday, Feb. 25.
Prato had a lifelong passion for Penn State Athletics. He dedicated much of his life to narrating the history of athletics, particularly football, at the University, and was the founding director of the Penn State All-Sports Museum. In addition, Prato taught classes at the University, led a lengthy career in television and worked on many freelance opportunities.
“Lou Prato was the authority on all things Penn State Athletics history,” said Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Pat Kraft. “From the moment I met Lou, I could tell how much sharing the stories of Penn State meant to him and how important it was to him to keep those stories alive. His passion for this University was only matched by his love for his family. There will never be another Lou Prato, and we will miss seeing him around our Penn State Athletics events. Our thoughts are with Carole and Lou’s children during this difficult time.”
During his career, Prato authored a number of books about the University, including “The Penn State Football Encyclopedia,” “100 Things Penn State Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die” and “Game Changers: Penn State.” He is also known for exploring the origins of the iconic “We Are…Penn State!” chant.
Prato’s career began at the Daily Collegian, where he was sports editor in 1958. Following his studies at Penn State, Prato’s career included 40 years as a news director in the broadcast industry, as well as roles in higher education directing Northwestern University’s journalism program in Washington, D.C., and as an instructor and guest lecturer in several communications courses at Penn State.
As the first director of the All-Sports Museum in 2002, Prato led the project from the ground up. He dedicated thousands of hours as a volunteer to his alma mater, serving as an original member of the Bellisario College Alumni Society Board, working on the All-Sports Museum Board, speaking to alumni groups from coast to coast, and mentoring numerous Penn Staters through the decades.
He also dedicated more than 30 years to the Radio and Television Digital News Association (RTDNA), including 20 years as the treasurer for its board of directors. In 2001, RTDNA created the Lou and Carole Prato Sports Reporting Scholarship, which is awarded to a journalism student who brings Prato’s journalism values to cover sports.
Prato won the Alumni Achievement Award from the Bellisario College Alumni Society Board in 2016. The award is presented to a graduate or friend of the college whose significant contributions to the college and/or University, in terms of time and talent, have brought distinction to themselves, the college and the University.
Prato is survived by his wife, Carole; a son, Scott; and daughters, Vicki Rearick and Lori Keating. Arrangements will be announced at a later date.