The Talking Machine Forum — For All Antique Phonographs & Recordings

It is with great sadness that I report the death of our dear phonograph friend Ron Dethlefson. I just got an email from his wife Barbara that Ron died peacefully in his sleep this Easter morning. To me, Ron was a giant in terms of his research on anything Edison! I will always treasure his friendship, and the knowledge and research he shared with me, and so many others. His special love for cylinders and diamond discs certainly carried over to me. May Ron rest in peace. And, as his wife wrote in her note to us "And the music still plays."

This is sad news, my prayers are with his family.

That is really sad news. I corresponded with him several times early on in my Diamond Disc collecting. His depth of knowledge was so amazing and he was always gracious in sharing. He will be missed.

I have several of his works and refer to them constantly. RIP.

I'm so very sorry to hear that. I've known Ron for well over 20 years. He's been to my house and we've met many times at the Henry Ford in Dearborn, where he volunteered every summer when he vacationed in their Michigan cottage. A great researcher and a great guy. RIP indeed.

I'm honored to have heard Ron's lectures to our club and to now own many of Ron's NOS DDs and cylinders, which he sold to us at very generous prices in order to give them good homes. I am also proud to own one of his DD machines, a near mint C-450. His books will live on in the collector community. May he rest in peace! Marc.

He was a friend and neighbor for over 20 years and patiently taught me phonograph repair basics as a young collector. We spent hours in my garage and in his living room...he will be missed.

Ron was a great contributor to the hobby, and always a helpful friend. We corresponded a good deal over the years, and his input will be missed. His work, however, will live on.

George P.

My condolences to his loved ones, and his many friends. I feel privileged to have corresponded with Ron a couple of times several years ago. He was very helpful, polite, kind, supportive and encouraging. It's a very special person who can unselfelfishly contribute so much for so many.

Fran

Peace to his memory.

- Bill