Russ Pry

Russ Pry, Summit County Executive, dies after battle with colon cancer.

(Gus Chan, Plain Dealer Publishing Co.)

Summit County Executive Russ Pry, 58, passed away Sunday in the company of friends and family. Pry announced on Friday he would not seek re-election this November to enable him to focus on his health. He was diagnosed with colon cancer in June and underwent surgery to remove a tumor. According to a county statement, Pry underwent setbacks in his recovery.

County Council President, Ilene Shapiro, will be sworn in immediately as interim county executive, the county stated, until Summit County Democratic Party's central committee meets to appoint someone to serve for the balance of Pry's term, which ends Dec. 31.

"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. Personally, I will miss his friendship, his quick wit and his invaluable advice."

The county's statement described Pry as "a leader who helped restore stability in county government, led the county through the Great Recession, cared and honored the men and women who served in the military, created and kept jobs in Summit County for thousands of people, and made all of us think more about the children and less fortunate in Summit County. He was a leader that came along at the right time, and will be sorely missed by this community."

Congressman Tim Ryan also issued a statement. "Russ first and foremost was a dear friend, a thoughtful, compassionate human being who always put the good of the people ahead of politics," Ryan said. "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."

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.

As chair of the Summit County Democratic Party, he also mentored Summit County's up-and-coming politicians.

"Ohio Democrats' hearts are heavy today as we mourn the passing of our friend, Summit County Executive Russ Pry," said Ohio Democratic Party Chairman David Pepper in a statement. "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."

Pry worked to bring community organizations together to save money and eliminate redundancies, consolidating building department operations with the city of Akron and other communities.

Pry collaborated with 53 area agencies to establish and lead the county's early childhood initiative, First Things First.

"I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my friend and colleague, Summit County Executive Russ Pry," said Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11), in a release. "I send my sincerest condolences to the Pry family and the Summit County community."

In its statement, the city said it would "continue to be a valued partner to the County in any way possible as the administration transitions during this difficult time."

Funeral and memorial arrangements will be announced soon.