Heavy Metal Singer Ronnie James Dio died on the morning of May 16, 2010, he died at the age of 67 after a six month battle with stomach cancer.
His death was announced in a statement on his website from wife Wendy Dio
"Today my heart is broken, Ronnie passed away at 7:45 a.m. - Sunday, May 16. Many, many friends and family were able to say their private goodbyes 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."
- Wendy Dio
Ronnie James Dio got famous in 1975 when he became the first lead singer of Rainbow, the heavy metal band put together by guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, who had just quit Deep Purple.
Dio then replaced legendary vocalist Ozzy Osbourne in Black Sabbath in 1980 with the critically acclaimed album "Heaven and Hell," considered by many critics to be one of the finest heavy metal albums of all time.
