Ron Mottl Sr., a Parma native who served in local, state and federal offices, died Friday, October 13 at the age of 89.
Known as the "Father of the Ohio Lottery" after campaigning in 1971 to create it, Mottl, a lawyer known as a conservative Democrat, began his lengthy career in public service as a member of Parma City Council from 1960-1966. (Obituary)
He subsequently served in the Ohio Senate until 1974, then in the U.S. House until 1983. He returned to elected office in 1986 by winning a seat in the Ohio House, where he would serve until February 1997.
Rep. Sean Brennan (D-Parma) said in a statement the former lawmaker was "a great friend and served as an excellent 'role Mottl' for me."
"His record of service to Parma, and all of northeast Ohio, is second to none and it was an honor to follow him as Parma Ward Two councilman, president of Parma City Council, and now state representative," Brennan said. "He was a wealth of knowledge whenever I needed advice and will be deeply missed."
Visitation is set for 4-8 p.m. Wednesday at St. Albert the Great Church, 6667 Wallings Rd., North Royalton. A Mass of Christian Burial is planned for 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the church.
St. Albert the Great Church
Mottl is survived by wife Debbie Mottl (nee Budan); children Ron Mottl Jr., Ron Mickey Mottl (Karen), who succeeded his father in the Ohio House, Ronda Mottl (Daniel Compton), Amanda Mottl; and four grandchildren.
The family requested memorial contributions go to the Greater Cleveland Sports Hall of Fame, 2001 Crocker Road, Suite #510, Westlake, OH 44145. Mottle was a member and served on the board of directors for over 30 years.