Ronald Louis DiOrio, a longtime resident of Oak Bluffs, died peacefully on Feb. 25 in Warwick, R.I. He was 82.

He was born on July 10, 1940 in Providence, R.I. to Alfredo DiOrio and Palmina Sbardella DiOrio.

He graduated in 1959 from Central High School in Providence and earned a bachelor of arts from Rhode Island College in 1963. He started his career as a teacher and as president of the National Education Association in Rhode Island continued to champion teachers. He was subsequently appointed director of policy by Governor Edward DiPrete.

He was an advisor to the Laborers International Union of North America in Washington, D.C. before retiring to Martha’s Vineyard. There he became an elected official, serving on the Oak Bluffs select board. 

Ron was best known for his generosity and helping people. He advised and served on the boards of several nonprofits, including Training Through Placement, Samaritans, Habitat for Humanity of Martha’s Vineyard, Oak Bluffs Association and others. He was also very politically active, especially for candidates who furthered the cause of equality and social justice.

He is survived by his daughter Rana DiOrio and three grandchildren, all of San Francisco; his son Damon DiOrio of Scottsdale, Ariz.; and his brother Edward DiOrio of Cranston, R.I.

He was predeceased by his father Alfredo DiOrio; mother Palmina Sbardella DiOrio; brothers Riccardo DiOrio, David DiOrio, Alfred DiOrio Jr. and Luigi DiOrio; and sisters Concetta DiOrio Folcarelli and Catherine DiOrio Accetturo.

Visitation will be held at the Maceroni Funeral Home in North Providence, R.I. on Saturday, March 4 from 9 to 10:30 a.m., followed by a prayer service at 10:30 a.m.. He will be interred at St. Ann Cemetery in Cranston, R.I.

A celebration of life will be held on the Vineyard this spring; the date, time and place will be determined at a later time.

Memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Martha’s Vineyard, P.O. Box 1093, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568.