Ronald Anthony DeLorenzo

Ronald Anthony DeLorenzo, 75, died Wednesday, December 7, 2016 due to complications with Alzheimer’s disease.  

Ron was the son of Anthony and Jenny DeLorenzo.  He and his sister, Judy, grew up in Schenectady, New York, surrounded by a large extended Italian family with many cousins, aunts and uncles

Ron was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, a nationally acclaimed chemistry professor, and a leader in community service.  He graduated from St. John’s University (B.S. 1963), University of Massachusetts Lowell (M.S. 1967; Ph.D., 1970) and was a post-doctoral fellow at Duke University (1971).  After completing his research, he and his wife, Mary, moved to Cochran, GA where he accepted a position as Professor of Chemistry at Middle Georgia College.  Here he was recognized by his peers “as superior as a college professor can be with an intelligence and level of professionalism that are incomparable.”  His infectious passion for teaching touched the lives of thousands of students.  He retired from Middle Georgia College after a distinguished career of 40 years.  Ron was a renowned author / contributing author for nine College Chemistry Textbooks and over 200 publications, a feature editor of the Journal of Chemical Education, and an American Chemical Society National Touring Speaker.  During his career he received numerous awards including the Catalyst Award for excellence in college chemistry teaching, Visiting Scientist Award from the America Chemical Society, and Author of the Year selected in recognition of his contributions to science education.  His community service was extensive, including work with the American Red Cross, Voter Rights, Bleckley County Hospital Board of Directors, Habitat for Humanity, the Rotary Club, and many community workshops and programs in First Aid, self-defense, and education.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Anthony and Jenny DeLorenzo.  His beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of his wife of 49 years, Mary (Brummund) DeLorenzo, his sister Judy DeLorenzo and her husband George Estel, his daughter Joy Stanley and her husband, David, his daughter Amy Costa and her husband Marc, his two grandchildren, Isabella and Hayes Stanley, and his dog Max.  The pleasure they gave him was immeasurable yet unmatched by the amount of happiness he gave to them.

We will celebrate Ron's life at the Georgia Mountains Unitarian Universalist Church on January 7, 2017 at 4:00 PM.  Memorials will go to students demonstrating outstanding citizenship at Central High School in Forsyth County.

Arrangements by Dahlonega Funeral Home