Ronald L. DeSanzo, 56, lifelong resident of Homewood, passed away July 27, 2010 surrounded by his wife and family, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born Sept. 27, 1953 in Beaver Falls, he is a son of Alfred E. and Lillian M. (Albinski) DeSanzo of Homewood. He was employed at Stroheckers Inc. in East Palestine, OH as a welder for 32 years. He was a member of St. Philomena Parish. He was a veteran of the United States Army during World War II stationed in Italy. He enjoyed riding his Harley and spending time with his family. He especially loved baseball and his dog Colt.

Ron was an avid sports fan, like his late grandfather William DeSanzo, 1979, he particularly loved baseball and staunchly stood behind the Pittsburgh Pirates. From an early age he enjoyed traveling with his grandfather and other family members and friends to Forbes Field to watch the Early Pirate greats, including Roberto Clemente, Bill Mazzareski and others. He took advantage of any opportunity to get an autograph or draw near the locker room. The Greats inspired him to play ball all his life until the final two weeks of his life.

Ron had his moment in the “spot light” when he and his friend, Bob “Blondie” Walker were photographed climbing up and onto the scoreboard and removed the score cards as souveniers following the last and final game played at Forbes Field. That photo was broadcast nationwide and made the front page of several newspapers.

Ron was a team player in everything he did. Whether playing ball,  working or being  friend with others. That attribute made him well liked and loved by all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife, Sue (Wright) DeSanzo, Homewood; a son, Ronald W. DeSanzo, Homewood; a daughter, Audrey M. DeSanzo, East Palestine, OH; a granddaughter, Paige M. Thomas; a brother and sister-in-law, Alan W. and Sandy DeSanzo, Homewood and their children, Michael T. DeSanzo and John P. Murphy; a sister, Carolyn DeSanzo, Atlanta, GA; an aunt, Nelly (Albinski) Kampi, New Castle; three step children and their spouses, Luke and Leann Mineard, Jacob and Tracy Mineard and Amie and Eric Waddell and three step grandchildren, Lily Mineard, Owen and Austin Waddell.

We lost a beloved husband, father, son, brother and friend, but we gained an angel.

Friends will be received Thursday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 9 p.m. in the HILL & KUNSELMAN FUNERAL HOME,                  www.hillandkunselman.com   , 3801 Fourth Avenue, College Hill, Beaver Falls, where prayers will be recited Friday at 12:20 p.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00 p.m. in St. Philomena Parish with Father James Farnan as celebrant.

Interment will follow in Grandview Cemetery, Big Beaver Boro.