Rosemary Durkin, the first woman elected to a citywide position, has died

Rosemary Durkin, the first woman elected to a citywide position, has died

YOUNGSTOWN — Former longtime Youngstown Clerk of Courts Rosemary Durkin, the first woman elected to a citywide position, has died.

Durkin, who died Saturday at the age of 84, “was a trailblazer,” said Mahoning County Democratic Party Chairman David Betras.

Durkin paved the way for other women in the county to run for elected office and win, he said.

“She was one of the best politicians — very tough, but very compassionate,” said Patrick Ungaro, Youngstown mayor from 1984 to 1997, who added he and Durkin had many political battles, but respected each other.

Durkin was elected clerk of court in 1975, and retired in 1999 after serving four six-year terms.

For the complete story, read Thursday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com