Ronna Julia Silagi

Ronna Julia Silagi passed away peacefully on October 13, 2026, following a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, on June 15, 1953, Ronna possessed a lifelong love of learning and education. An exceptional student, she graduated from James Madison High School at just 16 years old and went on to attend New York University on a full scholarship. Her intellectual curiosity extended beyond the classroom, and she spoke Spanish, French, and Greek.

Ronna dedicated much of her professional life to education, teaching at Summit Middle School, where she touched the lives of hundreds of students. Her passion for learning, dedication to teaching, and genuine care for her students left a lasting impression on generations of young people.

Above all, Ronna cherished her family. She is survived by her loving husband, Tomas “Tom” Silagi; her three children, Celine Mestel (Leo), Evan Silagi (Patrice), and Dana Silagi (Will Eastman); her eight beloved grandchildren; and her brother, David Mandelbaum (Mary).

She was predeceased by her parents, Eugene and Doris Mandelbaum, and her brother, Aaron Mandelbaum.

Ronna will be remembered for her intelligence, warmth, love of family, dedication to education, and the lasting impact she had on her family, friends, students, and community.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be made in Ronna's memory to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research.