Words used to describe Summit County Executive Russ Pry: Devoted, respected, sincere, compassionate.
Words used to describe the news of Pry’s passing: Saddened, loss, mourn, heartbroken.
These were among the reactions from local and state leaders and agencies Monday to the news of Pry’s death on Sunday after a two-month battle with colon cancer. They praised Pry’s accomplishments and urged others to emulate him in statements issued by email, Facebook and Twitter.
“Let’s make our communities better,” Candace Campbell Jackson, a former University of Akron vice president who is now at Syracuse University, said in a tweet. “Be like Russ!”
Other comments included:
Ken Babby, owner of the RubberDucks baseball team: “Today we tragically lost one of my favorite people in Akron. Russell M. Pry — much will be written in the days to come about your incredible leadership, and your commitment to our community. But, you were an even finer person and friend with an amazing heart. You will be dearly missed by all of us.”
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U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio: “Connie and I are saddened to hear Russ’s passing and offer our deepest sympathies to his family and the Summit County community. His loss will be felt by all those whose lives were made better by his service to his community.”
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Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish: “Russ Pry was a devoted public servant who cared deeply about the people in his community. He understood the powerful benefits of regional collaboration, and I will miss him as a partner and friend.”
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U.S. Rep. Marcia Fudge, D-Warrensville Heights: “I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my friend and colleague, Summit County Executive Russ Pry. I send my sincerest condolences to the Pry family and the Summit County community.
“Russ was a unifier, a strong advocate and a true public servant. I respected him and believed he deeply cared for the people of Summit County. Russ worked tirelessly, creating jobs, establishing new programs for Ohio’s children and enhancing county services for every resident. Though we mourn the loss of Russ, we give thanks for his many contributions to our region and state. His life enriched us all.”
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Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan: “I’ve lost a great friend much too early. We will all miss his leadership and his ability to bring people together. Russ had an uncanny knack for empathizing and identifying with all people, regardless of their age, race, gender, orientation or creed, making him well-loved by all. Personally, I will miss his friendship, his quick wit and his invaluable advice.”
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Craig Horbus, past president of the young professionals group, Torchbearers: “One of the most caring and impassioned leaders in Summit County history. We lost greatness today. You will be missed.”
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State Rep. Greta Johnson, D-Akron: “Russ was the lighthouse of our community. We could chart our course to his guiding light, knowing that his wisdom, compassion and integrity would keep us strong and steady. Though that light may seem dimmer during this painful time, I am hopeful that we someday can take comfort in seeing others around us do good and know that it is because of the leadership and inspiration Russ imparted on all he touched.”
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Leadership Akron: “Greater Akron’s a better place b/c Russ Pry led w/vision, pragmatism, & integrity. A true public servant, we’re grateful for the life he led.”
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Bill Roemer, former Summit County councilman-at-large and Republican candidate for Summit County Executive: “I am saddened to learn of the death of Summit County Executive Russ Pry. Russ was a committed public servant who always worked for what he believed was best for the citizens of Summit County. During my time as a member of Summit County Council, Russ and I sometimes disagreed on policy matters, but he always treated me courteously and professionally. My thoughts and prayers and those of many people, on both sides of the aisle, are with Russ’ family and those who were close to him.”
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Ohio Democratic Party Chairman David Pepper: “Ohio Democrats’ hearts are heavy today as we mourn the passing of our friend, Summit County Executive Russ Pry. Russ loved the people of Summit County and served them with an open heart and generous spirit, always fighting for progressive values. He was a great champion for Summit County Democrats, and he helped nurture the current generation of Democratic leaders. Our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family.”
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U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan, D-Niles: “Russ first and foremost was a dear friend, a thoughtful, compassionate human being who always put the good of the people ahead of politics. I have never seen a better leader than Russ Pry, who made local government work efficiently and effectively for the people he represented. He had no ego and always brought people together to make lives better for ordinary people. There is a huge hole in Summit County today and a huge hole in my heart as well — one that can never be filled. But we can all learn from how Russ conducted himself; always with humility, always responsibly and, for those of us in public life, always making sure government was creating opportunity for those who were looking to get ahead in life. Andrea and I extend our deepest sympathies to Russ’ family and his amazing group of friends and coworkers who know better than anyone the amazing gifts that Russ brought to the people of Summit County. He was a friend, a leader, a generous and brilliant public servant lost too soon.”
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Ted Strickland, former Ohio governor and U.S. Senate candidate: “Summit County, the Ohio Democratic Party and all of Ohio have lost a truly great leader. Russ will be remembered as a true champion for Ohio families and someone who worked tirelessly to improve his community, and our state. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and I wish them peace.”
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State Rep. Emilia Sykes, D-Akron: “My heartfelt sympathies are with Russ’ friends, family and our entire community. His passing is a great loss for the people of Summit County, who witnessed firsthand Russ’ honesty and dedication to our community. For nearly 10 years, he fought relentlessly for sustainable jobs, securing the rights of our veterans and ensuring access to quality education for all of our children. He worked tirelessly to secure a brighter future for all citizens of Summit County. He will truly be missed.”
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United Way of Summit County: “We are beyond heart broken to hear of the passing of Russ Pry.”
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Matthew Wilson, interim president of the University of Akron: “On behalf of the University of Akron, I want to express deep sorrow at the news of the passing of County Executive Russ Pry. He was a dedicated and exemplary public servant as well as a strong supporter of the university. The university was honored to recognize his accomplishments by presenting him with the Alumni Honor award in 2014. His steady hand will be sorely missed throughout the university and the entire community.”
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Stephanie Post York, former Akron spokeswoman and now a vice president of Hennes Communications: “May his memory be a blessing for all who knew him.”
Marilyn Miller contributed to this report.
Stephanie Warsmith can be reached at 330-996-3705, swarsmith@thebeaconjournal.com and on Twitter: @swarsmithabj. Betty Lin-Fisher can be reached at 330-996-3724, blinfisher@thebeaconjournal.com and on Twitter: @blinfisherabj.