Ronald Ron C. Pilenzo

Ronald (Ron) C. Pilenzo of Hobe Sound, FL passed away on July 28, 2015 at the age of 86. Born to Angelo and Mary Pilenzo on October 7th 1928, he was the loving and devoted husband of Lorna Pilenzo, wife of almost 60 years. Following his graduation from Pershing High School, Ronald enlisted in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He served with some distinction before being honorably discharged at the rank of Staff Sergeant. While working full-time at his nascent personnel career, he attended night school for 10 years - - first earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Industrial Relations, and then his MBA from the University of Detroit. At the age of 78 Mr. Pilenzo completed his PHD in International Business Administration. Ronald Pilenzo had a distinguished career in human resources spanning 44 years, including 23 years with several Fortune 200 companies, and management consulting. He was appointed President of the Society for Human Resource Management (formerly The American Society for Personnel Administration) in 1980 and retired from this position in 1991. Later that year, he was named President of the International Division of Personnel Decisions International. Mr. Pilenzo served as an Adjunct Professor on the faculty of the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana in the Institute of Labor and Industrial Relations. He also taught at George Mason University in its department of Human Resources Management Studies, and Florida Atlantic University in its Department of Management and International Business and Entrepreneurship. Ron Pilenzo had been a keynote speaker in conferences in 27 countries and authored numerous articles in publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Business Week, Forbes and Time magazine. Just prior to his passing he had submitted articles for publication that will be printed in several HR publications later this year. Mr. Pilenzo had served on boards of several not-for-profit organizations. Even in retirement, he worked diligently with the Executive Service Corps to assist many other local non-profits and he also held the position of Vice President for the Martin County Taxpayers Association. In addition to many awards and accolades, Mr. Pilenzo received the WFPMA Award (formerly Georges Petitpas Memorial Award) which recognizes individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the profession and practice of Human Resource Management and whose spirit and dedication have been inspirational to others. In addition to his beloved wife Lorna, he is survived by his 2 children and their spouses: Paula Pilenzo Tommins and William R. Tommins of Fairfield CT; Christopher A. Pilenza and Carrie Pilenza of Hobe Sound, FL.; his two granddaughters: Madeleine and Mia Tommins; and, his sister: Joan and her husband, Clive Summers, of Hobe Sound, FL. Arrangements are being made by Aycock Funeral Homes in Stuart, FL. The Family will welcome friends on Thursday August 6 from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm at the Aycock Funeral Home, Young & Prill Chapel located at 6801 SE Federal Hwy in Stuart, FL 34997 A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Friday August 7 at 10:30 am at St. Christopher’s Catholic Church 12001 SE Federal Highway Hobe Sound, FL 33455. While Ron Pilenzo appreciated flowers; he would prefer donations to his memorial fund. This fund will go towards granting an educational scholarship to a worthy student seeking to study Human Resources. If anyone desires to send both, his family would like to encourage all to consider a more minimalist arrangement in order to favor the donation to the fund so that his legacy of humane human resources lives on. Ronald C. Pilenzo Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Martin County Tax Payers Association, P. O. Box 741, Stuart, FL 34995, www.mctaxpayers.org/, or if you prefer, donations may be made in Ronald Pilenzo’s name to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach, P.O. Box 109650, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33410-9650.