Explanation
In Memory Of Tony Celebrezze
Title
Columbus City Council extends sincere condolences to the family of the late Tony Celebrezze on this sorrowful occasion of his passing.
Body
Tony grew up as the son of a well-respected and hard-working public servant. He had vivid memories of his father's tenure as Mayor of the City of Cleveland and the people who called his home at all hours with concerns. As such, Tony decided he would never enter politics and went off happily to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis.
Tony served in Naval Intelligence during the Vietnam War and learned that perhaps a Navy career wasn't for him. So, he returned to Cleveland, began studying for an MBA and married a lovely redhead named Louisa Godwin. He and Lou would proceed to raise five wonderful children and have, as Tony used to say, "a house so quiet I had to go work with noisy cars for some peace."
He decided to enter politics after all and was a proud Democrat. Tony, served with great distinction as a State Senator, Secretary of State and two-term Attorney General. Some of his best accomplishments as Attorney General include prosecuting the first criminal environmental case in the state and being the first Attorney General in the country to successfully sue the federal government so that it began cleaning up highly contaminated federal facilities like Fernald in Cincinnati.
Though he loved the law and the challenges of public service, Tony was always an "everyday" guy. He was a self-professed "gear head" who loved muscle cars and racing. He served the people of Ohio with great integrity and dedication and was a wonderful role model for many, many people. He will be sorely missed.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That this Council does hereby pay tribute to the memory of a truly honorable man.