I was very saddened to hear of the passing of my close friend, Clarence “Sonny” Smith, Jr., Chairman Emeritus of the Mahoning County Republican Party.
Sonny was a staunch defender of conservative Republican values. He gave of his time, talent and financial resources to a variety of important causes and made the Mahoning Valley a better place to live and work. As Chairman of the Mahoning County Republican Party for over a decade and a prominent and successful businessman, he made a positive impact on the quality of life for the people of the Mahoning Valley. He valued educational programs for young people, and generously supported them. Sonny was also a strong supporter of Youngstown State University, having donated his family’s expansive rock and gemstone collection to the school.
His passing leaves a major void in the Mahoning Valley, and my thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Rose, his son, Greg, and the entire Smith family. RIP Sonny Smith!