Nicholas M. Rongione, a lecturer in legal studies and business ethics at the Wharton School, died on April 27. He was 75. 

Born in Philadelphia while his father was stationed in Europe during WWII, Dr. Rongione graduated from Monsignor Bonner High School in Upper Darby in 1963. He received his undergraduate degree from Villanova in 1967, followed by a master’s degree from NYU in 1969 and a PhD in legal and moral philosophy, also from NYU, in 1976. He began his teaching career at Gwynedd Mercy College, then joined Villanova’s faculty in 1976, first as an assistant professor in the department of management, then as an associate professor. Dr. Rongione was a popular professor at Villanova, known for engaging his students in class discussions. In 1980, he received Villanova’s Lindback Award for Outstanding Teaching. 

In 1997, Dr. Rongione joined Penn’s faculty as an adjunct professor at the Wharton School; three years later, he became a lecturer there, teaching classes at Wharton and the Aresty Institute for Executive Education. In 2005, he also became a consultant on business ethics at the Wharton School. During his time at Wharton, Dr. Rongione was highly regarded, receiving the 1999 Teaching Award for Affiliated Faculty and the 2001 and 2002 William G. Whitney Award for Teaching Excellence. Dr. Rongione also had an appointment at Penn State University. He published widely and was recognized in the academic community for his research, including the Best Research Article of 1985 Award from the editors of the American Business Law Journal. Dr. Rongione was elected to the Haverford Township School Board in 1985 and went on to serve as both Vice President and President of the board before retiring in 1997.

Dr. Rongione is survived by his wife, Rita; his brother, Stephen (Kathy); his children, Nicholas (Constance), Gina (Joe), and Vincent (Skye); and six grandchildren. A service was held on May 6. Donations in his name can be made to Villanova University, Attn: University Advancement, 800 East Lancaster Ave., Villanova, PA 19085.