Dio Funeral Picketed By Hate Church

Late metal vocalist Ronnie James Dio's funeral took place today in Los Angeles and was attended by members of Black Sabbath Queensryche as well as protested by members of the Westboro Baptist Church.

The church, located in Kansas City, has become famous over the past several years for the picketing of American soldier's funerals while carrying signs declaring "God Hates Fags" and "God Is America's Terrorist".

Founded by Fred Phelps in 1955, the church, mainly made up of Phelp's large family, declared Dio was a worshiper of Satan in part for creating the infamous "devil horn" hand gesture.

Dio's wife, and manager, Wendy issued the following statement in regards to the protest.

"Ronnie hates prejudice and violence. We need to turn the other cheek on these people that only know how to hate someone they don't know."

Dio passed away earlier this month at the age of 67 from stomach cancer.

Watch the video for Dio's most famous tune, "Holy Diver", below.