WARREN — John Gargano, the longtime director of the Trumbull County Department of Job and Family Services, will retire Aug. 1 after 41 years of service.

Gargano began his career with Job and Family Services on Jan. 7, 1985, as a staff attorney. He moved up the ranks to become director.

“It (time) closed very quickly,” Gargano said. “When I first started, I only thought I would be there for three, four or five years. But, as you work with the individuals there, you come to realize that these individuals do much more than just a job.

“They are compassionate about the job they do. We help people that are at the lowest most of the time. I realized that, and it sort of touched me seeing how hard they worked for people who are less fortunate.”

While noting the organization was not perfect at all times, Gargano noted its staff members made continuous efforts to improve. He noted that any success he achieved while serving as the agency’s director is because of the people that worked with him.

“I have an excellent staff,” Gargano described. “They do a fantastic job.”

The county has placed a job posting on its website to find a replacement for Gargano.

In addition to Gargano, Nedra Blake, also with Job and Family Services, is also retiring Aug. 1. She has worked for the agency for 35 years.