Gino Roncone 1941-2025

Born Jan. 5, 1941, in Struthers, to Antonio and Florence Roncone, Gino lived a full life of passion, resilience and determination.

Gino graduated from Boardman High School in 1959 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics, with a minor in physics, from Youngstown State University in 1964. During his college years, he was an active member of Alpha Phi Delta fraternity and engaged in intramural sports.

Professionally, Gino’s career was marked by leadership and innovation. He served as plant manager at Republic Steel from 1964 to 1983 and later at LTV Steel from 1983 to 1993. He concluded his career as a design engineer at Delphi Automotive, where he worked from 1996 to 2007. During this time, Gino was credited with two U.S. patents in automotive engineering for his electromechanical innovations. In 2015, he moved to Huntersville, North Carolina, to be near family in his retirement years.

In his younger years, Gino was a talented musician, playing drums and the accordion in the Mark Alan Quintet and the Mike Roncone Band, alongside his brothers. Their performances at weddings, proms and dance clubs brought delight to countless people in Youngstown.

Later in life, he found joy in gardening, outdoor walks, golf, technology and hands-on hobbies. Gino spent countless hours in his woodshop crafting personalized creations for his family, perfecting projects with his CNC machine and enjoyed drives in his cherished red Corvette.

Gino is survived by his five children, who were the pride of his life, Carina Nevel of Huntersville, North Carolina, Gene (Rhonda) Roncone of Aurora, Colorado, Kelle (Marshall) Sperbeck of Sacramento, California, Belinda Roncone of Columbus and Bridget (Bob) McCray of Plain City. His legacy lives on through his 13 grandchildren, Keith B. Nevel, Kelsey Nevel, Nicole Polanco, Morgan McNaughton, Geno Roncone, Lindsay Polanco, Brooke Galas, Thomas Sperbeck, Ally Refnes, Rocco McCray, Carmela McCray, Marina Roncone and Alessia Roncone. In addition to these, Gino has 14 (soon to be 17) great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Antonio and Florence Roncone; his brothers, Mike and Tony Roncone; and his grandson, Geno Roncone.

Gino will be remembered for his sense of humor, creative nature, sharp mind and love of family. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, resilience and innovation that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

As a person of faith, Gino enjoyed all kinds of music and the senior adult group at his church. We celebrate his life and rejoice in his eternal rest in heaven.

Memorial donations may be made to Levine and Dickson Hospice House-Huntersville, 11900 Vanstory Drive, Huntersville, NC 28078.

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