Don Deperro Obituary – Don DePerro, the recently retired president and CEO of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, has passed away, leaving the community in shock and mourning.
The news of his death was confirmed by *The Dispatch* on Sunday, though the circumstances surrounding his passing were not immediately disclosed.
DePerro, a long-time leader in the Columbus business community, had served as the president of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce from March 2016 until his recent retirement.
His departure from the organization had been publicly announced, with Derrick Clay named as the new president and CEO in November, taking over on January 6. During his tenure, DePerro played a crucial role in shaping the city’s business landscape and was instrumental in driving local economic growth.
Before his time at the Chamber, DePerro had a significant impact on the region’s media landscape, having served as the publisher of *Columbus Business First* for 20 years. His extensive experience in both business and media allowed him to build strong relationships and contribute positively to the city’s development.
Kenny McDonald, President and CEO of One Columbus, expressed the depth of the loss, describing DePerro as a “prince of a guy” and noting that their friendship spanned over 15 years. McDonald stated that DePerro’s passing is a tough loss for the entire Columbus business community, highlighting the profound impact DePerro had on the local economy and its leaders.
As news of DePerro’s death spreads, tributes have poured in from colleagues, friends, and members of the business community, all remembering him for his professionalism, leadership, and personal warmth.
His death marks the end of a significant chapter in Columbus’s business history, and his legacy will be remembered by all those who had the privilege of working with him. DePerro’s contributions to the Columbus Chamber and his decades of leadership will continue to shape the community long after his passing, and he will be missed by those who knew him personally and professionally.