South Middlesex Times

The Board of Governors at Rutgers University has paid tribute to Ronald W. Giaconia, a dedicated alumnus and long-serving member of the university's governing boards, who passed away on September 13, 2024, at the age of 88.

Giaconia was a graduate of Rutgers University in New Brunswick and devoted over three decades to serving the institution. His roles included charter trustee on the Board of Trustees from 1994 to 2006, trustee governor on the Board of Governors from 2001 to 2007, and later as trustee emeritus. He also held positions as chair and vice chair of the Board of Trustees and vice chair of the Board of Governors.

“Affectionately referred to as ‘The Chairman of the Board’ by those who knew him, Ron guided the university during times of great progress and strengthened Rutgers’ commitment to providing an affordable education, conducting world-changing research, and striving for the betterment of New Jersey,” stated a resolution from the board honoring Giaconia.

In addition to his service at Rutgers, Giaconia was founder and president of Giaconia Life Associates, LLC. He participated in several board committees such as audit, budget and finance, and intercollege athletics, which he chaired for many years.

His contributions extended beyond governance; he was a member and later an emeritus director on the Rutgers University Foundation’s Board of Directors. He also chaired the Scarlet R Executive Advisory Committee. A passionate supporter of Rutgers Athletics, he played a key role in establishing the Robert Lusardi Memorial Football Scholarship. Together with his wife Antoinette, he founded the Ron and Toni Giaconia Endowed Scholarship for baseball players.

Giaconia's enduring impact at Rutgers earned him several accolades including the Meritorious Service Award from the Rutgers University Alumni Federation and induction into the Rutgers Hall of Distinguished Alumni.