Ronald DiCesare

Ronald DiCesare – Loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, musician, entertainer, and teacher.
Ronald DiCesare cherished his family, friends, music students, and audiences whom he entertained with his accordion and piano performances. Throughout his life, Ron's friends and family benefited from his musicianship, teaching, and sense of humor. Ron died peacefully at the home in Troy he shared with his wife of 63 years, Joetta, on February 7, 2025.
Ron was born in Detroit on June 7, 1937 to his mother Erdina and father Francesco Paolo, joining the family that already included his sister Delphine. He picked up the accordion and played it on several television talent shows at a young age. He attended and enjoyed Cass Tech High school, playing piano to entertain his classmates whenever he had the chance.
Ron met Joetta Smith at Wayne State University, and they married on January 27, 1962. They moved to Warren where they spent the next 23 years raising their three children Denise Blanchard (Steve), Shelley Sulecki (Tom), and Ron DiCesare (Deborah). Ron discovered a cottage for sale up north that became a lifelong source of enjoyment for all the family.
The family moved to Troy and began an era when grandchildren entered Ron's life: Elyse, Madison, Tom, Lauren, Sean, Rachael, Gabriella, and Cecilia. Ron enjoyed visiting the cottage up north and playing with the grandchildren.
Ron performed music and comedy at countless weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, and holiday celebrations, often using the stage name "Rinaldo". He played for a wide variety of audiences at parties as well as charity and celebrity events. He taught piano, guitar, and accordion lessons in music studios, schools, and private homes. Family, music and humor were his passions.
The family will receive friends Tuesday, February 11, 2025 from 3-8pm where a sharing of memories will begin at 6:30pm followed by a Rosary Service at 7pm at A.J. Desmond & Sons (Price Chapel), 3725 Rochester Road (between Big Beaver & Wattles), Troy, (248)689-0700.
Funeral Mass Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 10:00am at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, 280 E Square Lake Rd, Troy. Visitation at the church begins at 9:30am.
Burial will be held at Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton Township.