[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 139 (Wednesday, September 14, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1270]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE LIFE OF SUMMIT COUNTY EXECUTIVE RUSSELL M. PRY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TIM RYAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 14, 2016

  Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of 
Summit County Executive Russell ``Russ'' M. Pry, who passed away on 
July 31, 2016 following a courageous battle with cancer.
   Russ 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 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 nine 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 people's 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 and effective and for 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.''
   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, Russ.

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