Dr. Ronald Peter D’Agostino, Jr.

Dr. Ronald P. D’Agostino, Jr., affectionately known as “Dr. D,” passed away on April 12, 2025, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, at the age of 71 from respiratory failure as a complication of influenza and emphysema. Born on March 3, 1954, in Detroit, Michigan, Ron lived a life marked by intellectual curiosity, compassionate care, and a steadfast dedication to the well-being of others.

Ron’s passion for medicine began early. As a sixth grader, he borrowed—and never returned—a library book titled *The HUMAN BODY*, foreshadowing his lifelong commitment to healing and science. After graduating from Farmington High School in 1972, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Michigan–Dearborn in 1977. He then attended the College of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery in Des Moines as a commissioned officer in the United States Navy, graduating in 1980. He completed his internship at Botsford General Hospital in Farmington, Michigan in 1981.

From 1981 to 1984, Ron served as Senior Medical Officer at the NSMC Branch Clinic in St. Albans, New York. Holding the rank of Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, he provided medical care with integrity and professionalism during his years of service.

Following his military tenure, Ron moved to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where he dedicated more than three decades to practicing medicine in rural communities including Ontonagon, White Pine, Munising, and L’Anse. He retired in 2018 after a long and impactful career. Ron’s medical philosophy emphasized holistic and preventative care; he worked closely with patients to promote wellness through nutrition, natural hormone therapy, and fitness. His approach reflected both his clinical expertise and his deep empathy for his patients, especially those struggling with addiction.

From an early age, Ron battled addiction on and off, until finally maintaining sobriety almost 30 years ago with help from his family, the recovery community, and mental-health professionals. Medication assisted therapy was just being established in his later years of practice and he both benefited and advocated for its use describing it as finally quieting the noise and making him feel “normal”. Ron would want you to know that if you or someone you love is suffering from addiction, please consider making use of the all the tools available to facilitate life-saving recovery – including medications as well as 12-step or other recovery programs.

When it came to advocating nutrition, strength training and preventative care he practiced what he preached. Even after he needed to use oxygen full-time, he worked out in his gym lifting weights, doing squats, and riding his exercise bike along with walking while carrying his oxygen tank on his back to explore the woods and lakeshore of his home.

A voracious reader and lifelong learner, Ron cultivated an expansive personal library after retirement—a sanctuary where he immersed himself in subjects ranging from astronomy and world affairs to history, politics, economics, and the natural sciences. His love of knowledge was matched by a sharp wit and a warm sense of humor that made him a lively conversation partner.

Ron was known for his engaging discussions and spirited debates—an enthusiasm that began early with the mothers of his childhood friends Dan and Sharon Rankin—and continued throughout his life. Whether exploring nutritional science or global developments, he brought insight and energy to every exchange.

He was passionate about music, playing the accordion as a youngster and picking up classical guitar in college. While he didn’t continue these pursuits, he continued his life-long love of all types of music from Baroque to hard rock. He was a Stereophile putting together his first system in high school and took pride in demonstrating to others the sound a good stereo could produce.

Those that knew him in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan knew he loved to go out in his boat on Lake Superior fishing. Those who fished with him knew that catching fish was secondary to fine-tuning his boat’s electronics in pursuit of them.

Ron is lovingly remembered by his wife Becky (Potts), whom he called the love of his life; his sister Robin D’Agostino; nieces Erin (Jon) Gauthier and Julie (Brad) Neher; mother- and father-in-law June and John Potts Jr.; sisters-in-law Cheri (Bob) Voyt and Susan Potts Kimberly; brothers-in-law John (Julie) Potts, Tommy (Kathy) Potts, David Potts, James Potts, and IV Kimberly; along with numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, great-great-nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ronald Sr. and Marlene D’Agostino (Laub); paternal grandparents Peter and Palma D’Agostino; maternal grandparents Emelia and Joseph Laub; nephew Todd Schoenheide; Uncle Richard D’Agostino; and Aunt Gretchen Schwartz.

In addition to his devotion to medicine and learning, Ron held a deep love for animals—especially rescue pets. Among them were Haakey and Bear from the Copper Country Humane Society—his favorites among many cherished companions over the years.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, those wishing to honor Ron’s memory are encouraged to donate to an animal rescue organization of their choice or one of the ones below—a fitting tribute to someone who gave so much care to all living beings.

https://www.cchumanesociety.com/donate/

https://carolinapyrrescue.com/

https://www.ridgebackrescue.org/

May Dr. Ronald P. D’Agostino Jr.’s memory bring comfort to those who knew him, and continue to inspire all who value knowledge, compassion, and service.