[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 137 (Tuesday, August 20, 2019)]
[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.

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