Elections member is mourned

MANSFIELD — The Richland County Board of Elections on Saturday announced the passing of one of its board members, Joseph H. Mudra.

“We are very sad to announce that we’ve lost one of our board members on Thursday evening,” the Facebook post read. “Please keep Joseph H. Mudra’s family and friends in your thoughts during this difficult time.”

Other statements were issued, as well, including from U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-ohio, and the Richland County Republican Party.

“Joe Mudra was a lifelong friend, a champion of civil rights and one of Mansfield’s best ambassadors,” Brown said in a statement issued on Friday.

“Joe was always on the forefront of the fight for social justice, and his legacy will live on through the work he did to make the Mansfield community a better, fairer place to live,” Brown continued.

“I knew Joe for 50 years, from when I went to Mansfield Senior with his younger brother Jim, and I will miss his friendship and counsel,” Brown said. “My heart goes out to Joe’s family and friends during this difficult time.”

The Richland County Republican Party issued a statement on Saturday.

“The Richland County Republican Party would like to express our sympathy over the passing of Joseph Mudra, former Democratic Party Chair and member of the Board of Elections,” the Richland County Republican Party’s statement issued on Saturday said.

Bill Freytag, Republican executive committee vice-chairman, had worked alongside Mudra at the Board of Elections for the last 10 years.

“I was deeply saddened to hear of Joe’s passing,” Freytag said in the statement. “We always worked very well together and our board meetings will not be the same without him. I want to send my deepest sympathy to his wife Joanne, the entire Mudra family and to all who knew and loved him.”

The Richland GOP’S statement added: “We pray for his family and friends during this difficult time and join fellow community members in celebrating his life and legacy. Rest In Peace, Joe.”