A public memorial service for former Summit County Executive Russ Pry will feature colleagues and personal friends reminiscing about the longtime county leader.
The service, which also will include an invocation and benediction, is set for 10 a.m. Saturday at the John S. Knight Center, 77 E. Mill St., Akron.
An informal celebration of his life follows and will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Tangier, 532 W. Market St., Akron.
U.S. Reps. Tim Ryan, D-Niles, and Marcia Fudge, D-Warrensville Heights, Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan, former Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic, Summit County Domestic Relations Judge and friend Carol Dezso and friend and former business partner Michael Cassetty are slated to speak at the memorial.
The event also will feature a slide show.
WAKR (1590-AM) will carry the memorial service live.
Gov. John Kasich ordered flags to be lowered to half-staff on Saturday at all public buildings in Summit County and at the Ohio Statehouse to honor Pry.
Pry, who had served as county executive since 2007, died last week at the age of 58 from complications from colon cancer.
His chief of staff and longtime friend Jason Dodson said Pry didn’t want “sad pomp and circumstances” following his death.
He preferred that a big party be held.
During his time as county executive, Pry, an attorney, helped craft deals to keep Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. and Bridgestone Americas in Akron.
He also ended a longtime feud with the county fair board, built a veterans center and animal shelter, created the annual Summit for Kids Community Expo and launched efforts to combat infant mortality and raise awareness about mental health issues.
In addition to serving as county executive, Pry had served on Mogadore Village Council, chaired the county Democratic Party and was a member of the county elections board.
In lieu of flowers, organizers asked that donations be made in his name to the American Cancer Society or the Visiting Nurse Service.
Rick Armon can be reached at 330-996-3569 or rarmon@thebeaconjournal.com.