A lawyer and politician who served as the 65th Governor of Ohio, known for his moderate Republican stance and efforts to revitalize the state's economy. He was a strong advocate for fiscal responsibility and education reform.
From the streets of Cleveland to the halls of Congress, George Voinovich's 46-year journey in public service left an indelible mark on the state of Ohio and the nation. As a United States senator, governor, and mayor, Voinovich's unwavering dedication to his constituents and his unshakeable commitment to his values earned him a reputation as a champion of effective governance and a beacon of bipartisanship.
Born on July 15, 1936, in Cleveland, Ohio, Voinovich was the son of Josephine Bernot and George S. Voinovich. His father, of Serbian descent, and his mother, of Slovenian ancestry, instilled in him the values of hard work, community service, and civic engagement that would shape his future. Voinovich graduated from Collinwood High School in 1954 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in government from Ohio University in 1958, where he was an active member of the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity and served as president of the student body and the men's dormitory system. He later received a law degree from the Moritz College of Law at Ohio State University in 1961.
Voinovich's political career began in 1963 as an Assistant Attorney General of Ohio. He then served as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives from 1967 to 1971 and as County Auditor of Cuyahoga County from 1971 to 1976. In 1979, he made a successful bid for mayor of Cleveland, becoming the 54th mayor of the city and the last Republican to hold the office.
Voinovich's tenure as mayor of Cleveland was marked by his efforts to revitalize the city's economy and revamp its infrastructure. He oversaw the redevelopment of the city's downtown area, including the construction of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and implemented innovative programs to address urban decay and poverty.
In 1990, Voinovich was elected as the 65th governor of Ohio, a position he held until 1998. As governor, he championed education reform, expanded healthcare access, and promoted economic development initiatives. He was also instrumental in the passage of the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit, which has since helped to preserve and restore historic buildings across the state.
In 1998, Voinovich was elected to the United States Senate, where he served until 2011. During his time in the Senate, he was a vocal advocate for bipartisanship and worked tirelessly to find common ground on issues ranging from tax reform to healthcare policy. He was also a strong supporter of the state's manufacturing sector, working to secure funding for research and development initiatives.
Voinovich's legacy extends far beyond his impressive list of public offices. He was a champion of civic engagement, encouraging citizens to participate in the democratic process and working to ensure that government was accessible and accountable to all. He was also a strong advocate for the arts, recognizing the critical role that they play in fostering community vitality and economic growth.
Voinovich's personal life was marked by milestones that often intersected with his public career. He married his wife, Janet, in 1962, and the couple had three children together. Throughout his life, he remained committed to his Catholic faith, serving as a lifelong member of his neighborhood parish, Our Lady of the Lake in Euclid.
On June 12, 2016, George Voinovich passed away, leaving behind a legacy of public service, civic engagement, and community commitment that continues to inspire generations of leaders and citizens alike.
74 Years Old
The 69th Governor of Ohio, a moderate Republican who advocated for healthcare reform and balanced budgets, known for his pragmatic approach to politics.
85 Years Old
American psychologist and politician who served as the 68th Governor of Ohio, known for his progressive policies and advocacy for education and healthcare reform.
98 Years Old
American baseball player who pitched in the Major Leagues from 1965 to 1975, known for being a four-time All-Star and winning the American League ERA title in 1968.
