Family’s love for Penn State lasts three generations
Fifty years ago a vibrant athletic young boy from Long Island, NY, and a beautiful bright young girl from Lock Haven, Pa., left their hometowns to pursue an education at Penn State.
When Vincent Tedesco and Suzann Andrews met at the Delta Upsilon formal in 1962, it was hardly love at first sight. They had different interests; study habits, and came from different backgrounds. Yet they shared one very important thing in common: they shared a great love for Penn State. Little did they know, this love would last within their family for three generations.
The two married in 1964 at Eisenhower Chapel. Through the 27 years Vincent served in the military, he and his wife’s Penn State pride did not falter.
“We made sure to come back whenever we could, and God knows being in the army for years we were gone for a long time,” Suzann said.
Vincent is an Honorary Colonel of the 44th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, and received the Silver Star for gallantry in action, the Bronze Star, and Vietnamese Cross of gallantry with Silver Star in Vietnam. While traveling throughout the country the couple were active members of the Nittany Lion Club, the President’s Club and the S- Club.
It wasn’t long until they started sharing Penn State pride with their children. They came back to games, toured campus, and shared stories of their alma mater. The pride seemed to rub off, two of their children, Matthew (’91) and V. J Tedesco III (’86) both attended and graduated from Penn State.
Soon after their children graduated, the senior Tedescos moved back to Happy Valley.
“Everything we wanted to be a part of was here, we were Penn State and we decided to come home,” said Suzann.
After being heavily involved with other alumni groups, Vincent and Suzann became actively involved in the Centre County chapter of the Alumni Association.
Now, 50 years later the Tedescos' granddaughter, Rachel, is a student at University Park.
“It’s amazing, simply amazing. Now we get to experience Penn State with Rachel and watch her make memories of her own here. Nothing is more satisfying,” said Vincent.
Vincent and Suzann enjoy seeing Rachel on a regular basis.
“I provide grandpa concierge taxi service for Rachel any time she needs it. It’s just another way I get to spend time and connect with her in my own way,” Vincent said.
Tour of the Penn State Room
Vincent and Suzann Tedesco have been collecting Penn State memorabilia since their undergrad days. From almost every Penn State football button ever made, to a stolen license plate and stand-up Joe, this room was made for those that bleed blue and white.
