Tributes on social media began flowing over the weekend as news emerged late last week that Rondi D’Agostino, co-founder of premium audio brand Krell, had died. While details on the passing remain sparse, the high-end community is mourning the loss of the leader of an iconic audio brand.
See more on the passing of Rondi D’Agostino
On Saturday, Krell Industries published an announcement finally confirming the news being widely spread on social media that its co-founder, CEO, and spiritual guiding light, Rondi D’Agostino, had passed away on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. No cause of death was given. The company says it is making this announcement “with profound sadness.” Of D’Agostino’s loss, the company also said, “As one of the last privately owned and family-operated companies in the high-end audio industry, this loss is deeply personal for the entire Krell family.”
D’Agostino was 78 years old.
Growing Up in the 60s & Connecting with Music
Rondi D’Agostino was born and raised in California on January 3, 1946 to Bjourn and Jean Halling, according to an obituary posted online. She grew up in Sausalito, CA during the 1960’s – an amazing place at an amazing time in our country’s social and musical history.
Rondi loved music and had many amazing stories of her singularly unique life experience hanging out with bands, some of whom would go on to become super groups or superstars impacting the lives of a new generation of kids. She attended M. Tamalpais High School in Sausalito and went to college at St. Lawrence.
What Leads Rondi to Audio
Her love of music drew Rondi, as it did many of us, to the audio industry. Starting her career at premium audio electronics manufacturer, Mark Levinson. It was there she met Dan D’Agostino, with whom she would eventually marry. Together they would start Krell in 1980. Dan would eventually leave their professional and personal partnership to start his own company and Rondi became the sole owner of Krell.
Rondi would find love again, and in 2006 she married Michael Bellas, who shared her love of music and audio, and who remained her loving partner to this day.
Knew What She Wanted for Krell and was Tough Enough to Get It
I have personally spoken with Rondi on several occasions over the years and found her unique, sometimes a little oblique, but almost always intriguing. She had a kind nature about her and could be quite soft-spoken at times. But she remained deeply committed to Krell. And even though she was a woman during the days when Tech was a man’s world, she most definitely was not a pushover. She knew what she wanted for Krell and didn’t shy away from making tough, tough decisions. Some of those decisions could be controversial.
But underneath all of that, she had a way of communicating about challenging situations both from a practical viewpoint and an emotional, almost artistic, perspective. I often felt like I came away with a greater sense of the context of the matter and a deeper understanding of her thinking – even if I didn’t necessarily always agree with her.
A Special Person
She was truly a unique and special person.
Rondi is said to not only love music and audio, but also art, (said to embrace an eclectic and interesting style), reading, and especially loved to listen to stories. She also loved all animals.
But most of all, Rondi loved her family. She is survived by her husband Mike Bellas, son Kristofer D’Agostino, sister Karen Burch, niece Karli Burch (Dave), great nieces Britta and Thea Halling Cherry, nephew Soren Burch, stepson Michael Bellas (Betty), stepdaughter Kym D’Agostino (John Cusmano), grandson Brandon D’Agostino, and her beloved dog Jack. She was preceded in death by stepson Bret D’Agostino.
Company to Close for the ‘Next Few Weeks’ to Grieve. From Krell…
In honor of Rondi’s legacy and to allow time for the D’Agostino family and the Krell team to grieve, Krell Industries will be closed for the next few weeks. We fully intend to honor all existing orders and repair requests during this period, but we ask for your understanding as new orders or requests may experience a delay of up to 30 days. In the interim, we will do our best to respond to all customer service and dealer support requests. We appreciate your patience and support as we navigate this incredibly difficult time and look forward to resuming business with you all very shortly.
From statement: Krell Industries Mourns the Passing of Rondi D’Agostino
You can see the entire statement from Krell at this link…
Memorial Service Information; Pay Tribute to Rondi
A memorial service will be announced at a later time. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Rondi’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital (online at www.stjude.org/donate); or to the ASPCA (online at www.aspca.org).
Did you know Rondi? Please feel free to share a story or otherwise pay tribute to Rondi by leaving a comment below. Families have told me over the years how much they value those work-related stories about their loved ones.
You can also leave a tribute at codywhitefuneralservice.com.
Thank you for providing a thoughtful recounting of Rondi’s life. We always need more people involved in those things that bring joy to other peoples lives. Rondi was a good example.
I had the privilege to work with Rondi on the Audio Board of the Consumer Electronics Association. She was a valued participant and brought her unique perspective to our endeavors. She will clearly be missed by all who know her.
Very sad… RIP Rondi! Prayers to her family and all at Krell.
“Krell Industries will temporarily close its operations for the next few weeks”, i shipped amplifier for service to the krell factory few days ago, there any information about whether the warehouse will be be open for receiving the stuff, or everything is closed?
Alex