In a sad turn of events, just two days after the fifth anniversary of the passing of Ronnie James Dio, a man that was instrumental in preserving his legacy, Dean Schachtel, suddenly died yesterday (18). His passing comes just after a weekend of events celebrating Dio via the Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund started by Dio’s wife, Wendy. Schachtel helped run Dio’s label, Niji Entertainment, while he was alive, and was a board member of the Cancer Fund. It’s somewhat surreal to read about his sudden passing just after the weekend of events that he was present for. Schachtel’s passing was confirmed by his wife on his Facebook page:
“It is with so much shock and pain that I even go on FB right now, but I have to let you know that my husband Dean Schachtel has passed away today. Please keep me an Zander in your prayers and know that I can’t answer any comments right now as it is overwhelming. Thank you, and may he rest with the angels.”
Other thoughts and remembrances are pouring in on his page from the likes of Rudy Sarzo, Alice in Chains’ Mike Inez and more. Dean is survived by his wife Teresa and son Zander, who counts Ronnie James Dio as his godfather. It’s not known what Schachtel’s cause of death was. We knew him as a passionate music fan that was well-known in the metal industry, who was devoted to his family and a gigantic champion of Dio. He’d also worked with Steve Vai’s Seven Nations label and Quiet Riot’s onetime label Moonstone Records as well. Our thoughts are with his family and many friends in the music industry.
