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Summit County Executive Russ Pry Passes Away

People all across Summit County are remembering County Executive Russ Pry.

He passed away on Sunday following complications in his recovery from colon cancer. Pry was 58.

Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan shared his memories of Pry on The Sound of Ideas this Monday.

"You know, he had a heart as big as the county if not bigger.  He always was concerned about how are we taking care of the most needy, the kids, the homeless, and the people who feel the most disaffected, and how we change their lives," said Mayor Horrigan.

Summit County Council President Ilene Shapiro is set to be sworn in immediately as interim county executive, per the County's Charter. 

County Democrats also need to appoint someone to finish Pry's term which ends in December and decide who will appear on the November ballot for the party .

Pry held the County Executive position for nine years. 

He was credited in a statement released by the county for helping lead Summit through the Great Recession. 

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced in the near future.