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Russell “Russ” Pry

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Russell “Russ” Pry

Birth
Akron, Summit County, Ohio, USA
Death
31 Jul 2016 (aged 58)
Akron, Summit County, Ohio, USA
Burial
Burial Details Unknown Add to Map
Memorial ID
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Russell M. Pry

Summit County Executive Russell M. Pry died on July 31, 2016 following a short, courageous battle with cancer.

He was born on May 30, 1958 to Helen Lucille (Morris) and Donald Pry and grew up in Mogadore, Ohio. His maternal grandmother, Elsie Morris, played a major role in his upbringing and her strong union and democratic influence molded his values and lifelong desire to help people.

Russ leaves one brother, David "Joe" Pry, sister-in-law, Carla, and two nieces, Carly and Josie, whom he adored, all of New Philadelphia, Ohio. He also leaves his Godson, Austin Adams, and his dear friends, Mary Ann Walsh and Doug Adams and their other son Taylor Adams, Carol Dezso and Elaine Whiting, Phil Montgomery and Andrew Schuellerman, Ross and Diane Pollock, Jill and Jeff Skapin, Edna Borders, Michael and Kim Cassetty, Gertrude Wilms, the Hamad family, Mae and Jim Talbott, Nicole and Per Marvin, John and Lea Kinsey, Bill and Pam Brown, Steve and Sally Zimmerman, Don Plusquellic, David Horner and Judy Casto, Heather and Ross Licata, Mary Sayre, Jason and Stephanie Dodson and his entire Rocknes Family.

During his life, Russ was a successful attorney, two-time Mogadore Village Councilmember, Chair of the Summit County Democratic Party, member of the Summit County Board of Elections and for the last 9+ years of his life, the Summit County Executive. More importantly, Russ was a leader, an advocate, a conciliator, and a friend. Russ gave willingly to many people throughout his life and worked in each position during his career to make peoples' lives richer and our community a better place. He was loyal, faithful and devoted to his friends and always was available with solid advice, a gentle word and a sympathetic ear.

As the Summit County Executive, Russ will be remembered by his many achievements, which include assisting and honoring the men and women of the military, creating and keeping jobs in Summit County, successfully guiding the County through difficult economic times, making Summit County government more efficient, consolidated and collaborative and beginning new programs aimed to help those in the community of greatest need.

Russ was a history buff, an avid reader, crossword puzzle ace and a Jeopardy whiz. He knew everything about our U.S. presidents and often grilled his friends and staff on American History trivia. Russ also enjoyed winding down his day with a cocktail at Rockne's, which he affectionately called his "West Office."

At Russ' request, there will be no calling hours or funeral. A Memorial Service in his honor will be held at the John S. Knight Center on Saturday, August 13, 2016 at 10 a.m., with a Celebration of Russ's Life to follow at Tangier's on West Market Street in Akron from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Visiting Nurse Service.

We have lost a brother, a great friend, a loyal Democrat, an incredibly smart man and genuine good guy who worked hard to make his community a better place. Rest in peace, Rusty.
Published in Akron Beacon Journal
on Aug. 10, 2016



Summit County Executive Russ Pry, 58, died Sunday. He was diagnosed with colon cancer in June and underwent surgery to remove a tumor.

"I've lost a great friend much too early," said Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan. "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."

Pry, who had been county executive for nearly nine years, focused on local economic development and was a key figure in keeping Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations Technical Center and the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Global and North American Headquarters and Innovation Center in Akron.

He had announced on Friday that he would not seek re-election this November to enable him to focus on his health.

Plain Dealer, The (Cleveland, OH)
Tuesday, August 2, 2016


AKRON, Ohio– A memorial service will honor the life of Summit County Executive Russ Pry this weekend.

Pry passed away on Sunday after a short battle with colon cancer. He was 58.

The memorial service is at 10 a.m Aug. 13 at the John S. Knight Center in Akron. It will be followed by a celebration of the late official’s life at Tangiers on West Market Street from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Pry requested there be no funeral or calling hours, according to a news release on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Pry’s name to the American Cancer Society of the Visiting Nurse Service.

Summit County Council President Ilene Shapiro will serve as interim executive until the county’ Democratic Party appoints a replacement to complete Pry’s term, which ends on Dec. 31.
Russell M. Pry

Summit County Executive Russell M. Pry died on July 31, 2016 following a short, courageous battle with cancer.

He was born on May 30, 1958 to Helen Lucille (Morris) and Donald Pry and grew up in Mogadore, Ohio. His maternal grandmother, Elsie Morris, played a major role in his upbringing and her strong union and democratic influence molded his values and lifelong desire to help people.

Russ leaves one brother, David "Joe" Pry, sister-in-law, Carla, and two nieces, Carly and Josie, whom he adored, all of New Philadelphia, Ohio. He also leaves his Godson, Austin Adams, and his dear friends, Mary Ann Walsh and Doug Adams and their other son Taylor Adams, Carol Dezso and Elaine Whiting, Phil Montgomery and Andrew Schuellerman, Ross and Diane Pollock, Jill and Jeff Skapin, Edna Borders, Michael and Kim Cassetty, Gertrude Wilms, the Hamad family, Mae and Jim Talbott, Nicole and Per Marvin, John and Lea Kinsey, Bill and Pam Brown, Steve and Sally Zimmerman, Don Plusquellic, David Horner and Judy Casto, Heather and Ross Licata, Mary Sayre, Jason and Stephanie Dodson and his entire Rocknes Family.

During his life, Russ was a successful attorney, two-time Mogadore Village Councilmember, Chair of the Summit County Democratic Party, member of the Summit County Board of Elections and for the last 9+ years of his life, the Summit County Executive. More importantly, Russ was a leader, an advocate, a conciliator, and a friend. Russ gave willingly to many people throughout his life and worked in each position during his career to make peoples' lives richer and our community a better place. He was loyal, faithful and devoted to his friends and always was available with solid advice, a gentle word and a sympathetic ear.

As the Summit County Executive, Russ will be remembered by his many achievements, which include assisting and honoring the men and women of the military, creating and keeping jobs in Summit County, successfully guiding the County through difficult economic times, making Summit County government more efficient, consolidated and collaborative and beginning new programs aimed to help those in the community of greatest need.

Russ was a history buff, an avid reader, crossword puzzle ace and a Jeopardy whiz. He knew everything about our U.S. presidents and often grilled his friends and staff on American History trivia. Russ also enjoyed winding down his day with a cocktail at Rockne's, which he affectionately called his "West Office."

At Russ' request, there will be no calling hours or funeral. A Memorial Service in his honor will be held at the John S. Knight Center on Saturday, August 13, 2016 at 10 a.m., with a Celebration of Russ's Life to follow at Tangier's on West Market Street in Akron from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Visiting Nurse Service.

We have lost a brother, a great friend, a loyal Democrat, an incredibly smart man and genuine good guy who worked hard to make his community a better place. Rest in peace, Rusty.
Published in Akron Beacon Journal
on Aug. 10, 2016



Summit County Executive Russ Pry, 58, died Sunday. He was diagnosed with colon cancer in June and underwent surgery to remove a tumor.

"I've lost a great friend much too early," said Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan. "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."

Pry, who had been county executive for nearly nine years, focused on local economic development and was a key figure in keeping Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations Technical Center and the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company Global and North American Headquarters and Innovation Center in Akron.

He had announced on Friday that he would not seek re-election this November to enable him to focus on his health.

Plain Dealer, The (Cleveland, OH)
Tuesday, August 2, 2016


AKRON, Ohio– A memorial service will honor the life of Summit County Executive Russ Pry this weekend.

Pry passed away on Sunday after a short battle with colon cancer. He was 58.

The memorial service is at 10 a.m Aug. 13 at the John S. Knight Center in Akron. It will be followed by a celebration of the late official’s life at Tangiers on West Market Street from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Pry requested there be no funeral or calling hours, according to a news release on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Pry’s name to the American Cancer Society of the Visiting Nurse Service.

Summit County Council President Ilene Shapiro will serve as interim executive until the county’ Democratic Party appoints a replacement to complete Pry’s term, which ends on Dec. 31.

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