Former Mayor Vukovich dies; held city together during steel collapse

YOUNGSTOWN

Pat Ungaro says that his predecessor was one of the most important mayors in the city’s history.

That mayor, George Vukovich, died Monday at the age of 87.

Ungaro, who served the most terms as mayor in the city’s history at four, said Vukovich’s tenure is so important because when he held the city’s highest office from 1979-83, the city and entire region was grappling with the massive loss of jobs in the steel industry.

Vukovich was able to hold the city together, even though he had to make a lot of tough decisions, Ungaro said.

“We went from the top of the world to the bottom and he [Vukovich] had to deal with all of it. And he did,” said Ungaro, now the administrator for Liberty Township.

“He was very important,” Ungaro said.

Read more about this Youngstown servant in Friday's Vindicator or on Vindy.com.