The Ohio Senate has passed Senate Bill 216, sponsored by Sen. Al Cutrona (R-Canfield), that designates a portion of State Route 7 (Market St.) in Boardman as the Clarence ‘Sonny’ Smith Jr. Memorial Highway.
      “Sonny Smith poured out his heart and soul to the Mahoning Valley,” said Sen. Cutrona. “His philanthropy across the community, especially to Youngstown State University and Boardman Township, affected the lives of countless Ohioans.
      “This bill recognizes a great citizen of the Boardman community.”
      Active in the Mahoning Valley, Smith was a strong supporter of Youngstown State University as well as Boardman High School. He he served as an elected member of the Boardman School Board from 1960-1971.
      A successful businessman, he was also a generous philanthropist for Youngstown State University, to which he donated a sizeable gem collection, received the honor of “Penguin of the Year,” and was given an honorary doctorate degree from the university.
      Mr. Smith donated the 11-acre site to Boardman Township that now serves as the site for the Boardman Police Department, Boardman Township Fiscal Office and administrative offices, including planning and zoning.
      Annually, from Memorial Day to labor Day, American flags grace Market St. When the campaign for the flags began more than two decades ago, it was Mr. Smith who donated all of the flags for the effort.
      In addition, he was a major contributor to the Auditorium 2000 campaign that led to the construction of the Boardman High School Performing Arts Center.
      Mr. Smith and Dr. John York, co-chairman of the San Francisco 49ers, led the way in the establishment of the Boardman Community Baseball Field of Dreams on McClurg Rd.
      Clarence ‘Sonny’ Smith, Jr. passed away on April 13, 2021, at the age of 92.