Area politicians expressed grief at the passing Monday of Harry Meshel while acknowledging the former state senator’s contributions to the Mahoning Valley.

“He is a legend in Mahoning Valley politics for what he delivered for the region, from the creation of Lake Milton State Park to critical funding for Youngstown State University, but he will be remembered most for his unrelenting pursuit for workers rights, veteran benefits and giving a voice to the voiceless,” state Rep. John Boccieri, D-Poland, said.

Boccieri called Meshel a true champion of working families, and said Meshel chaired a number of Boccieri’s campaigns for office.

“He gave me valuable advice on how to conduct myself while in office and I will miss my old friend and mentor dearly,” Boccieri said.

Meshel, 93, of Youngstown, died Monday. He served five terms as a state senator for the 33rd District after winning the seat in 1971. By the time he left the Ohio Senate in 1993, he was its president. Meshel also served as chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party and head of the Mahoning County Democratic Party.

“Harry Meshel was a true champion for the underdog,” said state Sen. Joe Schiavoni, who holds the seat that once was Meshel’s. “People say that all the time, but Harry lived it. I’m so grateful that I had an opportunity to learn from Harry. He treated people with respect, no matter who they were or where they came from.

“There will never be another Harry Meshel. He was the best,” Schiavoni said. “He will be missed and loved by all of us.”

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, said, “I loved Harry Meshel. No one fought harder than Harry Meshel for the little guy, whether she punches a clock in Warren, works construction in Youngstown or cleans floors at Harry’s beloved YSU.

“Every time I spoke with Harry, I learned something,” Brown said. “No one understood the voters better.”

Meshel was born June 13, 1924, a son of Angelo and Rubena Markakis Michelakis. He served in the Naval Construction Battalion, or SeaBees, during World War II, and was awarded two Bronze Battle Stars.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Youngstown College in 1949. Meshel received a master’s degree in urban land economics from Columbia University in 1950. That same year he became a limited instructor at Youngstown College while also working in investment, real estate and insurance.

While Meshel was in the Ohio Senate, he ran for Congress in 1980 but lost to Republican incumbent Lyle Williams.

During his time in the state senate, Meshel was known for his support of legislation focusing on the needs of the disabled, economic development issues, and solid and hazardous waste disposal.

He is credited with helping to secure almost $150 million in capital improvements for Youngstown State University, more than $160 million in grants and loans from the Ohio Department of Development for economic development projects, and helping to create the Northeastern University College of Medicine, a collaboration with YSU, Kent State University, Cleveland State University and the University of Akron.

Mark Munroe, chairman of the Mahoning County Republican Party, said he was saddened when he heard of Meshel’s passing.

“He did so much for the Mahoning Valley,” Munroe said. “He had an encyclopedic knowledge of the Mahoning Valley and the state of Ohio. He was a giant of Valley politics.”

Dave Betras, chairman of the Mahoning County Democratic Party, said, “He was a true American hero. He was an icon of Valley politics and was a true public servant. He is someone whose memory and influences will continue to impact the area for many years to come.”

Betras described Meshel as a trusted friend who he would call for advice when making difficult political decisions.

In addition to his time in the Senate and the two years he served as the Mahoning County Democratic Party chief, Meshel also was appointed to serve on the Youngstown State University Board of Trustees for nine years. During that time, he worked to get funding for the school’s technology center.

The university named its new technology center Meshel Hall.

“The entire Youngstown State University community is saddened by the passing of Harry Meshel,” Ron Cole, university public information officer, said. “Harry was an ardent advocate for the university for decades.

“As a state senator, he worked to bring millions of dollars to expand and enhance the campus. As a philanthropist, he created several endowed scholarships that have helped dozens of students pursue their educational goals at YSU. And as a member of the YSU Board of Trustees, he was a thoughtful, vocal supporter for students.

“Harry’s legacy as a Penguin is large, and he will be missed. Our deepest sympathies to his family,” Cole said.

Trumbull Democratic Party Chairman Daniel Polivka described Meshel as a person known to be a fighter on the causes that were important to him.

“When I sought an senate appointment, I called him for advice,” Polivka said.

“He lived a good life,” he said.

Current Warren City councilman and former Mayor Dan Sferra called Meshel as someone who could get along with anyone, even those he disagreed with.

“He was a wise and wonderful man,” Sferra said. “He is one of those guys you would truly like.”

Congressman Timothy J. Ryan, D-Howland, said in tweet, “Harry was a dear friend and mentor. He will be deeply missed by our community and all those fortunate enough to know him.”

David Pepper, current Ohio Democratic chairman, also took to Twitter to say, “He will be missed.”

Meshel also was a member of the Mill Creek Park Board, and he helped spearhead the creation of the Youngstown Historical Center of Industry and Labor.

Funeral services are pending.

rsmith@tribtoday.com