Harry Meshel

Harry Meshel (June 13, 1924 – September 4, 2017) was an American Democratic politician. He served as the president of the Ohio State Senate and chairman of the Ohio Democratic Party. Meshel is noted for his legislative efforts on behalf of disabled people, economic development, and solid and hazardous waste disposal.

Meshel served in the Naval Construction Battalion, or SeeBees, during the Second World War from 1943 to 1946. He was awarded two Bronze Battle Stars for the battle of Leyte Gulf in 1944. He earned a bachelor's degree in business from Youngstown College in 1949. As an undergraduate, he was Student Council president and vice president of the senior class.

Political career In the 1960s, Meshel waged two unsuccessful campaigns for Mahoning County commissioner.

From 1994, Meshel was also a supervisor for the International Boxing Council.

Later years In 1986, YSU named its new technology center Meshel Hall in his honor, as he helped secure funding for the project. In 1994, he received the YSU Distinguished Alumni Award.

Meshel has a street, "Meshel Way" named after him in Struthers, Ohio. Meshel also has a hall named after him at NEOMED. Meshel died on September 4, 2017.

Personal life Harry married the former Judy Lazich on July 25, 1948. They had two children, Barry and Melanie. He was a member of the Greek Orthodox Church.