Ronald "Ron" Joseph Schenone ’52 passed away peacefully at home on Monday, April 11, surrounded by his family. He leaves behind his loving wife of 59 years, Gloria Chinchiolo Schenone. He is survived by his son Chris (Maaike), son John (Dori), daughter Renee Westerfield ’83 (Geoff), son Tim (Heidi) and daughter Jennifer Aiello and grandchildren Mark and Emily Westerfield, Jackson and Isabella Schenone, Francesca Aiello, Caitlyn and Riley Schenone. He is fondly remembered by his family as a loving husband, great father, and adored grandpa.
Ron was born to Josephine and Joseph Schenone in Stockton, California. He attended St. Mary’s High School in Stockton where he played basketball and football and was Student Body President. He received a football scholarship to University of Portland, attended University of San Francisco, and then completed his college education at his beloved Santa Clara University.
After receiving his degree from Santa Clara University in 1952, Ron was activated from the Army Reserve and was stationed at Ford Ord, California,from 1953-1955. After completing his service, he worked for Shell Oil Company for five years. In 1960, he began a thirty-one year career with United Technologies, specializing in Personnel and Industrial Relations. He was a lifetime member of the Labor and Employment Relations Association.
A firm believer in the value of education and a lifelong learner himself, Ron continued his ongoing intellectual pursuits throughout his life by taking numerous classes and pursuing his Masters after retirement. He was a voracious reader. His personal library highlighted his varied interests, including sports, history, politics, and the labor movement. He was a devout Catholic and proud of his Italian heritage.
Ron loved sports. Always the athlete, he began running mid-life and completed over 750 races, including his first marathon in 1985. He was truly a lifelong 49er Faithful. In 2006, he created the Athletic Hall of Fame at his alma mater, St. Mary’s High School, to specifically honor outstanding athletes This, and his many other contributions, led to his own induction into the school’s overall Hall of Fame in 2009.