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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1064]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF THE HONORABLE PATRICK JOSEPH UNGARO
______
HON. TIM RYAN
of ohio
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, August 20, 2019
Mr. RYAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of former
Youngstown, Ohio mayor, the Honorable Patrick Joseph Ungaro, who passed
away peacefully at his home with his family at his side, on Saturday,
August 17, 2019.
Patrick was born March 3, 1941, in Youngstown, to Victor and Mary
(Mast) Ungaro and grew up in the Smokey Hollow neighborhood of
Youngstown.
He graduated from The Rayen School in 1959 and attended Youngstown
College, where he played football and eventually earned a bachelor's
degree in Education. He received his master's degree in Counseling,
Administration and Superintendent Certification from Westminster
College and served in the U.S. Army during the Berlin Crisis.
Pat began his professional career in 1965 as a teacher and school
counselor at The Rayen School where he would also coach football and
track and field. Pat was eventually named the head football coach at
Rayen, leading some of the most successful teams in Rayen history. He
then left Rayen and coaching to become the Assistant Principal at South
High School until 1984. It was during these years spent in education
that Pat had the most pleasure and reward, helping countless kids from
Youngstown reach their potential and go on to become productive people.
Many of his former students still approach his family crediting his
calm, compassionate demeanor, firm discipline and most of all his
genuine care for them as people as credit for their success to this
day.
Pat ran for Youngstown City Council in 1976 at the urging and support
of his wife to make a difference in the Third Ward. He was elected and
eventually became Council President the following year, serving in that
capacity until 1982. In 1983, Pat ran for Mayor of Youngstown, during
turbulent times and won the first of five terms, serving as mayor for
14 years. He often credited his win to walking door to door every day
during the election in the city; always remembering the number of great
people he had the opportunity to meet; people who would help him become
elected and who he would eventually serve with humility and integrity.
He often said that hard work, perseverance and being honest in your
dealing with people will always pay off. This working-class ethos
carried him to three additional terms as mayor, where he eventually
retired 1997, serving as the longest tenured mayor in the history of
the city.
Pat attempted retirement unsuccessfully and eventually returned to
education, serving as the Assistant Principal at Youngstown City West
Elementary in 2001. In 2002, he was approached by Liberty Township to
become the Township Administrator, where he served until June of this
year. Pat made many friends in Liberty Township and Trumbull County and
was always grateful for the opportunity to serve Liberty until his
final days.
Pat was a loving husband, father and grandfather who cherished his
family and enjoyed many fun vacations to Ocean City, Maryland for 40
years. Pat's son, Eric, continues his family's commitment to public
service as a township trustee.
The Honorable Pat Mayor Ungaro was one of the greatest leaders to
ever come out of our community. He began the effort to revitalize
Youngstown's downtown, reclaimed Brownfield sites, and was a stand
tough opponent of organized crime. He made it a point to meet with me
days after I was first elected to Congress. The positive things
happening in Youngstown today are because Pat Ungaro had the guts to
lead. I join the entire Mahoning Valley in celebrating his life and
legacy. He will be missed.
____________________