Retired Ramsey High School Principal Dies

Richard Lio, the recently retired principal of Ramsey High School, died Thursday night. Lio was 63 years old.

Lio was diagnosed with lung cancer shortly after retiring from RHS last year, and had been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis in 2011, NorthJersey.com reported.

According to an obituary of the lifelong educator posted on the Vander May Colonial Funeral Home website, Lio died peacefully while surrounded by family.

Lio had a 42-year education career, which included 33 years in Ramsey, NorthJersey.com said. Throughout his time in the district, Lio served as a social studies teacher, social studies supervisor, assistant principal of Smith School, and principal of Ramsey High School from 2001 through last year, the report said.

The lifelong sports enthusiast coached Rams teams throughout his career, as well as rec teams in his hometown, Wayne. His obituary also cites the fan’s love of the NY Giants, a team he served as ball boy for at a young age, and a scout as an adult.

Lio’s legacy also includes bringing Relay for Life, a fundraising event that raises money for cancer research and honors cancer victims, survivors, and their families.

This year’s Relay, which organizers predict will push Ramsey over $1 million raised, is happening next week.

Ramsey students spent Friday mourning Lio’s death, NorthJersey.com reported. He is remembered for having a positive impact on the lives of countless students in the borough, locals told NorthJersey.

Visitation will take place at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Road in Wayne, on Monday from 4-8 p.m. and Tuesday from 4-8 p.m. Funeral Services will begin at 9 a.m. on Wednesday from the funeral home, then to St. Mary’s RC Church, Pompton Lakes, where at 10 a.m. a Funeral Mass will be offered. Entombment will follow at the Maryrest Cemetery in Mahwah.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for Ramsey Relay for Life.

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