[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13537]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE LIFE OF HARRY MESHEL

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TIM RYAN

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 7, 2017

  Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of 
Harry Meshel who died on September 4, 2017. Mr. Meshel was a native of 
Youngstown, Ohio and ``known for his remarkable civic, cultural, and 
educational contributions to the community.
  Well-known for his colorful stories, sharp wit, and keen memory, 
Meshel had a successful political career in the Ohio Democratic Party. 
Throughout his career, he had the opportunity to meet iconic political 
leaders, including President John F. Kennedy and President Lyndon B. 
Johnson. Meshel's break came in late 1963 when Youngstown Mayor-elect 
Anthony B. Flask selected him to be his administrative assistant. 
Meshel served in that capacity for more than five years. When a seat in 
the Ohio Senate opened, Meshel won a seven-person Democratic primary in 
1970 and then the general election. He spent more than 22 years in the 
Ohio Senate, and the majority of that time was spent in leadership 
positions, including president for two years. After resigning from the 
Senate in 1993, Meshel served as state Democratic party chairman. He 
later went on to serve a nine-year term as a trustee on the board of 
Youngstown State University.''
  Harry was one of the original sponsors of legislation to establish 
the Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) in Rootstown. 
Additionally, he was instrumental in the creation of the Ohio 
University College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Wright State 
University School of Professional Psychology. He was a relentless 
advocate of Youngtown State University as a student, a legislator, and 
as a Trustee. In addition to all the achievements of this able leader, 
I remember Harry as a Greek American who valiantly fought our nation's 
battle at Leyte Gulf in the Philippines. He was a dedicated supporter 
of our veterans and a frequent participant at many veterans' events.
  Harry was a respected and beloved member of the community who 
influenced countless lives. He was a dear friend and mentor to me when 
I was just starting out my career in public service. His legacy is 
represented all over the Mahoning Valley and Youngstown State 
University. He will be deeply missed by our community and by all of 
those fortunate enough to know him. I extend my deepest condolences to 
his family and friends.

                          ____________________