Ronald B. "Ron" Brodzinski

In the late hours of Tuesday August 11, 2026, Ronald Benedict “Ron” Brodzinski of New Philadelphia took his final at-bat at the age of 84. A lifetime of home runs ended for him in a walk-off victory.

Ron grew up in the Tremont neighborhood in Cleveland with several other Polish Catholic families. Born February 23, 1942, son of the late Benedict S. and Gladys (Milewski) Brodzinski, he was one of seven kids in the house and in addition had 3 older half-brothers. Benedict passed away when Ron was still a teenager, and family quickly became central to Ron’s values and plans for the future.

Following his graduation from Lincoln High School, Ron set off to see the world, proudly serving his country in the Army Security Agency as a communications monitor specialist in the early 60s, stationed in Okinawa, and spent covert time in Thailand and Saigon, Vietnam as well as stints in Laos and the Phillipines. He returned with a new taste for travel and knowledge that would remain throughout his life.

After the Army, he came back to Cleveland, attended community college and began a 33- year career with the United States Postal Service.

Ron met his wife-to-be Donna M (Rielinger) Brodzinski through one of his sisters via a bowling league, and 6 months later Ron and Donna were engaged. He credits Donna and her family for saving him by showing him the kind of family he wanted to build. Ron and Donna spent 31 years married, and together raised 5 children prior to Donna’s passing. Ron was an outstanding father who seemed to balance discipline and kindness with ease. He faithfully prepared his children for adulthood, passing along his strong sense of family, service, and community.

It was during this time that his career first brought him to New Philadelphia in 1979 as Postmaster. Ron and Donna thought they had struck gold in finding this small community. A few years later he accepted a job and relocated to Elyria, but he quickly thought better of it and returned to the Tuscarawas Valley to set down roots in the place that he often remarked was the “absolute best place to raise a family." Ron retired as Postmaster from the Dover Post Office in 1997.

But work alone would not define Ron’s life. He had a deep commitment to his community and generously gave his time and talents to numerous civic organizations and youth programs. He was a member of BPOE Lodge #510, the New Philadelphia Lions Club, and the New Philadelphia Kiwanis Club. He held space in his gigantic heart for young people and spent many years coaching and mentoring them. “Coach B”, or “Mr. B” as he was affectionately known by the kids under his leadership, coached Little League baseball, helped co-found the city’s first recreational youth softball league Jr. Miss, coached basketball at Sacred Heart and helped start a softball team at Central Catholic High School. This he did with joy; even in the most inclement weather conditions Ron was known for his enthusiastic refrain “It’s a beautiful day for a ballgame!” Ron also dedicated many years to the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, including serving as Scoutmaster of Troop #89.

On August 5, 2000, Ron married again, this time the former Carolyn Lou Lorenzoni. With Carolyn came two more teenage daughters and another chance for Ron to do what he did best; that was to love each of his kids completely, fiercely, and without judgement. Ron would credit Carolyn for saving him again, and it was clear that their love and admiration was mutual. Ron adored Carolyn, and together they shared a wonderful life filled with extensive travel throughout the United States and abroad. Ron introduced Carolyn to his love of Cleveland sports, something he followed with great focus and joy. In return, Carolyn introduced Ron to a deeper appreciation for the arts. As long as they were together, they could equally enjoy a night out at a play, or sitting together on the couch watching a baseball game, always holding hands. Together, they volunteered as ushers at the Performing Arts Center. Ron especially delighted in one memorable opportunity to serve as a guest conductor of the Tuscarawas County Philharmonic. In truth, Ron had always loved music and encouraged his children to appreciate it as well, although he frequently joked that his greatest musical talent was playing the radio. As such, he insisted that each of his children at least attempt to play an instrument. He loved singing, and his booming “five golden rings!!” will be missed around the holidays.

Carolyn and Ron were faithful members of Sacred Heart Church, where they were involved in many aspects of parish life, including the choir, where their relationship first began. Faith was an important part of his life, and he was also a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus.

In November 2000, Ron was elected Mayor of the City of New Philadelphia, the community he had long considered home. Throughout his years of public service and long afterward, he remained passionate about the city's future and how to best serve its members.

Ron led his life with kindness, generosity of spirit, and laughter.

He was the center of his family, the rock upon which a loud, blended, sometimes chaotic, but always loving foundation was built. He will be profoundly missed by his wife, Carolyn Brodzinski; his children, Kevin (Chrissy) of Mentor, Barbara (COL Tony) Mancari of Mentor, Phillip (Minta) of Adana, Turkey, and Theresa (partners, Kim and Collette) Brodzinski of Ft. Collins, CO, Megan (Spencer Dieck) Erwin of University Heights, and Melissa (Paul) Dilsaver of New Philadelphia; sisters, Phyllis Harman of Rocky River, OH and Beth NcNally of Davisville, WV; his grandchildren, Andrew and Ryan Brodzinski, 1LT Anna (Rey) Chavez, 1LT Sarah (Ethan) Bax, 2LT Maria, Sofia, Tony, and Dominic Mancari, Sonia and Lillian Brodzinski, and Rose and Vincent Dilsaver. Ron loved each and every one of his children and grandchildren and had the ability to make each of them feel uniquely special in his presence.

In addition to his parents, Ron was preceded in passing by his wife, the late Donna M. (Rielinger) Brodzinski; his son, David “Dave” Michael Brodzinski; siblings, Robert Brodzinski, Dorothy York, Patricia Leavelle, and James Brody as well as half-brothers Al, Ben, and Ray Brodzinski.

Visitation will be held in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home in New Philadelphia on Sunday, August 16, 2026 from 1 to 4 p.m. with a Prayer Service beginning at 3:45 p.m. Father Jeff Coning will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday at 1 p.m. in Sacred Heart Church. A private burial in Calvary Cemetery at New Philadelphia will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions in Ron’s memory may be directed to Tuscarawas Central Catholic or Sacred Heart Church in New Philadelphia.

**Lovingly written by Ron's family