Senate Passes Cutrona Bill Honoring Clarence "Sonny" Smith; a Pillar of the Community

The Ohio Senate passed Senate Bill 216, sponsored by State Senator Al Cutrona (R-Canfield), which designates a portion of State Route 7 in Mahoning County as the Clarence "Sonny" Smith Jr. Memorial Highway.

“Sonny Smith poured out his heart and soul to the Mahoning Valley," said Senator Cutrona. “His philanthropy across the community, especially to Youngstown State and Boardman Township, affected the lives of countless Ohioans. This bill recognizes a great citizen for the Youngstown community.” 

Active in the region, Sonny Smith was a strong supporter of Youngstown State University and Boardman High School, where he served as an elected member of the Boardman School Board from 1960-1971. A successful businessman, he was also a generous philanthropist for Youngstown State University, to which he donated a sizeable gem collection, received the honor of “Penguin of the Year,” and was inducted into the school's Athletics Hall of Fame. Clarence “Sonny” Smith, Jr. passed away on April 13th, 2021, at the age of 92.

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