Obituary of Ronald A. Schiavone

Ronald A. Schiavone, 85, passed away on January 26, 2011 in Key Largo, Florida. Jeannie, his wife of 30 years, and his children Christopher, Cora, Elissa and Andy, along with his nine grandchildren, mourn the loss of their beloved husband, father and grandfather. Born in the Bronx in 1925, the son of Augustine and Anna, Ronnie moved with his family to Secaucus, New Jersey during the Depression. During WWII he was sent to Officer Candidate School at Dartmouth College where he earned a Master's Degree in Civil Engineering. After working several years for other contractors, in 1956 he founded Schiavone Construction Company in Secaucus. Along with his partners and many talented men and women, he grew SCC into one of the country's most successful "heavy contractors" employing thousands to complete public works projects. His key to success was his belief in his employees and their corresponding loyalty to him. He was also co-founder of Fiddler's Elbow Country Club, one of the premier golf facilities in the Northeast. A man with a unique breadth and depth of knowledge, Ronnie had an interest in many subjects and was a voracious reader. His ethical standards, keen mind, ever-present sense of humor and lifelong generosity were well known to many. He was passionate about America and the freedoms we enjoy and was always ready to discuss his clear dedication and beliefs in small government and the free enterprise system. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hillsdale College where Ronnie served on the Board of Trustees. The address is 33 East College Street, Hillsdale, Michigan 49242, in memory of Ronald A. Schiavone. A viewing will be held at Lamington Presbyterian Church at 355 Lamington Road, Bedminster, New Jersey on Saturday, January 29, 2011 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A celebration of Ronnie's life will be held on Sunday, January 30, 2011 at Lamington Presbyterian Church at 2:00 p.m. followed by a reception at Fiddler's Elbow Country Club. An additional celebration of life will be held at a later date at the Ocean Reef Club, Key Largo, Florida.