Today in Wheeling History: December 10—Ron DiLorenzo, beloved educator and musician who significantly contributed to Wheeling's educational system at Wheeling Park High School, Madison Elementary School, and Ritchie Elementary School, and enriched the local music scene by performing with numerous Ohio Valley bands and the popular SHOP band, was born in Steubenville, Ohio, and raised in Weirton, West Virginia (1947).
Ronald Jacob DiLorenzo, affectionately known as Ron, Ronnie, DiLo, or Mr. D., was born on December 10, 1947, in Steubenville, Ohio, and raised in Weirton, West Virginia. He graduated from Weir High School in 1965 and pursued his undergraduate and advanced degrees at West Virginia University. Ron married his wife, Roberta "Robbie," in 1971, and they shared 48 years together. He was an active member of St. Michael's Church in Wheeling, serving as a Eucharistic Minister, Engaged Couples Sponsor, and Confirmation instructor. Ron dedicated 42 years to Wheeling Park High School, where he served as Dean of Students and Chairperson of the Guidance Counseling Department. Before his counseling career, he taught elementary music at various schools, including Madison Elementary School and Ritchie Elementary School, and was an assistant band director at Wheeling Park High School. A professional musician since the age of 14, Ron played the trumpet and sang in numerous Ohio Valley bands, most recently with the popular SHOP band. His contributions to education and music earned him the title of WV Character Educator of the Year in 2007 and Wheeling Park High School Educator of the Year in 1999-2000. Ron passed away on August 3, 2019, at his home in Wheeling, surrounded by his loving family.
To learn more: The Intelligencer (https://shorturl.at/cDqau) (https://shorturl.at/OJWUu), Weirton Daily Times (https://shorturl.at/BWJWJ)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Wheeling Hall of Fame
Ronald Jacob DiLorenzo, affectionately known as Ron, Ronnie, DiLo, or Mr. D., was born on December 10, 1947, in Steubenville, Ohio, and raised in Weirton, West Virginia. He graduated from Weir High School in 1965 and pursued his undergraduate and advanced degrees at West Virginia University. Ron married his wife, Roberta "Robbie," in 1971, and they shared 48 years together. He was an active member of St. Michael's Church in Wheeling, serving as a Eucharistic Minister, Engaged Couples Sponsor, and Confirmation instructor. Ron dedicated 42 years to Wheeling Park High School, where he served as Dean of Students and Chairperson of the Guidance Counseling Department. Before his counseling career, he taught elementary music at various schools, including Madison Elementary School and Ritchie Elementary School, and was an assistant band director at Wheeling Park High School. A professional musician since the age of 14, Ron played the trumpet and sang in numerous Ohio Valley bands, most recently with the popular SHOP band. His contributions to education and music earned him the title of WV Character Educator of the Year in 2007 and Wheeling Park High School Educator of the Year in 1999-2000. Ron passed away on August 3, 2019, at his home in Wheeling, surrounded by his loving family.
To learn more: The Intelligencer (https://shorturl.at/cDqau) (https://shorturl.at/OJWUu), Weirton Daily Times (https://shorturl.at/BWJWJ)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV; Wheeling Hall of Fame
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