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Struthers Judge James Lanzo leaves the court after 40 years
STRUTHERS
Today marks the end of James Lanzo’s more than 40-year career as a employee of the city and as Struthers Municipal Court judge.
Judge Lanzo, who has reached the age limit for incoming judges, presided over court for the last time Thursday, and after taking a vacation to Alaska with his wife, will continue to work in his private practice with his son.
His journey into law began in 1976. The judge, who previously worked as a chemistry teacher at Struthers High School, had his law degree and private practice and decided he wanted to work for the city.
He ran for the city’s law director position and beat three opponents who ran against him. After serving 18 years as the city’s law director and prosecutor – during which time he also served as the village of Lowellville’s solicitor – he ran for Struthers Municipal Court Judge in 1994 and won. He has served in the position ever since.
“It was very enjoyable,” Judge Lanzo said. “My time as judge was very interesting, very rewarding. You meet good people and you meet some bad people. Most were wonderful.”
Dan Mamula, who served as Struthers mayor from 1992 through 2008, taught alongside the judge at Struthers High School and later worked as his campaign manager when he ran for law director. After that successful campaign, Judge Lanzo encouraged Mamula to run for office. Mamula took that advice, first becoming a councilman-at-large and later becoming mayor.
“We go back a long way. We’ve been friends for 50 years,” Mamula said. “He was very helpful to me when I was mayor, and he knew his business – he took no nonsense. He drew lines and he stuck to them. But he was always fair, and he was always concerned with how to best help people. He deserves recognition.”
Judge Lanzo was recognized by Lowellville – he began his law career there – at the village’s most recent council meeting, where he received a resolution commending him for his service. Lowellville Mayor James Iudiciani said the judge was like family and that he was tough but fair.
“He’ll be missed,” Iudiciani said. “I can’t say enough good about him.”
Judge Lanzo ruled on cases from Struthers, Lowellville, Poland village and township, New Middletown and Springfield and had to account for the unique needs and circumstances of individuals from the various communities.
Poland Township Police Chief Brian Goodin has worked with Judge Lanzo for the majority of his career and said he’d miss him when he departed.
“We always got along well. He’s been a fixture in our community,” Goodin said.
Judge Lanzo will be succeeded by Judge-elect Dominic Leone but said he’d still be around the legal world, working with his son, James E. Lanzo, but taking it a bit easier going forward.
“I’ll be around,” he said. “I’m not going anywhere.”