BOARDMAN, Ohio – Business, civic and Republican Party leaders of the greater Mahoning Valley joined members of the family of the late Clarence Smith Jr. earlier this week to recognize the designation of a portion of state Route 7 in the late business and political leader’s honor. 

Following passage earlier this year of legislation sponsored by state Sen. Al Cutrona of Canfield, R-33rd, the section of Route 7, or Market Street, between Washington Boulevard and Western Reserve Road has been designated as the Clarence “Sonny” Smith Jr. Memorial Highway. 

“Sonny Smith poured out his heart and soul to the Mahoning Valley,” Cutrona said in February when the bill was passed. “His philanthropy across the community, especially to Youngstown State and Boardman Township, affected the lives of countless Ohioans. This bill recognizes a great citizen for the Youngstown community.” 

Smith, who died in 2021 at age 92, was the retired chairman and CEO of Compco Industries, former chairman of Diamond Steel Construction Co. and owner of the former Adamas Gems & Jewelry. His business ventures also included being an investor in The Business Journal for several years.    

A former chairman of the Mahoning County Republican Party, Smith was a prominent supporter of Republican candidates for office seeking local, state and national offices and served on the Mahoning County Board of Elections. 

“Very few individuals of the Valley have done more for their community than Clarence Smith,” the Columbiana County Republican Party said in a Facebook post. 

Among the boards of directors for civic, religious and nonprofit organizations he served on were the Western Reserve Port Authority, Boy Scouts of America, Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County and Camp Stambaugh. 

Organizations he supported included Youngstown State University, Boardman United Methodist Church and Greenford Christian Church. The Clarence R. Smith Family Mahoning Valley First Responder Wellness Center opened last year on the site of Smith’s former residence, which the Smith family donated to Boardman Township.

Pictured at top: Clarence Smith Jr.