Former New Philadelphia Mayor Ron Brodzinski remembered for dedication to city
NEW PHILADELPHIA – (WJER) (Aug. 17, 2026) – Former New Philadelphia Mayor Ron Brodzinski is being remembered as a dedicated public servant and mentor who remained deeply committed to the community he led.
Brodzinski, who served as mayor from 2001 through 2007, died last Tuesday at age 84.
Former New Philadelphia City Council Member Darrin Lautenschleger, who served during Brodzinski’s second term, said he was saddened by the loss of a longtime community contributor.
“I felt pretty saddened because another community contributor and really a giant in the community passed away, and we lost that mind and that dedication,” Lautenschleger said.
Lautenschleger described Brodzinski as straightforward and deeply committed to New Philadelphia and its residents.
During his time on council, Lautenschleger said Brodzinski quickly became a mentor. He recalled Brodzinski reaching out to him and inviting him to City Hall for a conversation about the city’s operations.
“He took a lot of time to sit down with me,” Lautenschleger said. “I remember he actually reached out to me, made an appointment, and asked me to come in. And he sat down and he started to talk to me and show me things like the budget and how the operations itself were structured in the city of New Philadelphia.”
Lautenschleger said Brodzinski also made responsiveness to residents a priority.
“One of the things I did find always refreshing about Mayor Brodzinski was that if a constituent or city resident contacted him, first thing he did was he reached right back out to them,” Lautenschleger said. “He didn’t let any of that stuff go.”
Lautenschleger said Brodzinski was committed to finding answers and solutions for residents.
“I always felt that he was most committed to being responsive to the residents and trying to find a solution or the answer that they needed,” he said.
A funeral Mass for Brodzinski is scheduled for 1 p.m. today at Sacred Heart Church.
In honor of Brodzinski’s service to the city, New Philadelphia Mayor Joel Day has ordered all city flags lowered to half-staff until sundown today.
Brodzinski is survived by his wife, Carolyn, along with several children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Donna.
The Linn Hert Geib Funeral Home is handling arrangements.