allRisk Property Damage Experts founder, lauded for overcoming hardships

Haddonfield, NJ -- (SBWire) -- 04/09/2010 -- In 1974, during his sophomore year at Camden Catholic High School, Dean Ragone experienced a life-changing event that would cling to him every waking moment of his life.

The 16-year-old broke his neck diving into an above-ground pool at a friend’s house, causing him to become a quadriplegic. Now, Ragone, co-owner of Somerdale, N.J.-based allRisk Property Damage Experts, is returning to the school as a 2010 inductee into its Hall of Fame.

After months of rehabilitation, Ragone completed high school and attended Rutgers University, where he earned a bachelor of arts degree in political science. Following graduation, he became an investment adviser.

Despite many obstacles, Ragone does not consider himself disabled and has made it a personal mission to dispel myths about obstacles that people erect that block them from achieving their dreams. “There is one big obstacle that everyone has,” says Ragone. “It is the obstacle of an attitude inside yourself that stops you from accomplishing what you want.

“It’s natural that you want to quit when life places a boulder on your shoulders that seems too heavy to bear, whether it’s an injury, losing a job or even breaking up with someone,” he says. “The key is not to surrender to self-pity but to bear up under the burden, moving one step at a time toward your goal.”

In Ragone’s case, there is a certain poetic irony in the occupation he ultimately chose, given his own personal disaster. In 1988, with Frank Messina, he started allRisk Property Damage Experts, a firm that helps businesses and homeowners recover from the devastation of natural and manmade disasters such as flooding, hurricanes, storms and fires.

Ragone is an active advocate of disabled rights and other philanthropies. He lives in Haddonfield with his wife, Sharon, and their two children, Jeffrey and Gina.

Cherry Hill, N.J.-based Camden Catholic High School started a Hall of Fame to promote a sense of pride and to honor alumni, faculty, staff and friends who have made outstanding accomplishments in their communities since they have been associated with the school.

The Hall of Fame recognizes achievements in academics, art, education, athletic and special categories. This year's induction ceremony is scheduled at the school, Saturday, April 17, at 7 p.m.

For more information about the Camden Catholic Hall of Fame, visit http://www.camdencatholicalumni.org. For more information about Dean Ragone, visit http://www.allriskinc.com.