Ronnie James Dio (born Ronald James Padavona in 1942) was a local hero here in these parts in Upstate NY. When he passed away this past Sunday on May 16th, it represented in a way a passing of an era here, that he was the last of the Old Industry that comprised Wickwire’s, Brockway, Smith-Corona and others.
Those companies have been long gone from here, and so was Ronnie in a way, since he made his home in California after leaving and finding his fortune. But he still had ties here since he had a father, son, grandchildren and a former band-mate making his home area their home too.
So here’s to you Dio, the Last Neon Knight, may you find that home on Silver Mountain!
…
Neon (K)Nights
]
Dad2059's Webzine of Science Fiction, Science Fact and Esoterica 
I heard about this the other day. Very sad news.
RIP
They had a big write-up about him in the local rag last night. A person who literally ran into him years ago in Texas noted that he was a big deal everywhere except here in his hometown.
How true.