Heavy Metal Rocker Ronnie James Dio Dies At 67

NEW YORK (Top40 Charts) - Ronnie James Dio (born Ronald James Padavona; July 10, 1942 � May 16, 2010) was an American heavy metal vocalist and songwriter. Dio died at 7:45 am (CDT) on May 16, 2010, according to official sources.

His lovely wife Wendy said in a statement: "Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45am 16th May. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private good-byes before he peacefully passed away. Ronnie knew how much he was loved by all. We so appreciate the love and support that you have all given us. Please give us a few days of privacy to deal with this terrible loss. Please know he loved you all and his music will live on forever."

On November 25, 2009 Ronnie has been diagnosed with the early stages of stomach cancer.

He performed with Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Heaven & Hell, and his own band Dio. Other musical projects include the collective fundraiser Hear 'n Aid.
He was widely hailed as one of the most powerful singers in heavy metal, renowned for his consistently powerful voice and for popularizing the "devil's horns" hand gesture in metal culture.
He was collaborating on a project with former Black Sabbath bandmates Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Vinny Appice, under the moniker Heaven & Hell, whose first and only studio album, The Devil You Know, was released on April 28, 2009.

He died of stomach cancer on May 16, 2010.