Blessing Honors the Life of Stanley Aronoff

COLUMBUS—Senator Louis W. Blessing, III (R-Colerain Township) today honors the life of Stanley Aronoff, a Cincinnati native, devoted public servant, and former Ohio Senate President. Aronoff passed away last night at the age of 91. 

"President Aronoff was an institution within an institution and a pillar of the Cincinnati community," Blessing said. "His work for our city and the whole state moved us forward together. Most importantly, he had a passion for people, who he cared for immensely and served well for decades. His good deeds as a public servant, role model, family man, and a friend will never be forgotten."

Aronoff was a graduate of both Harvard University and Harvard Law School. He returned home to Cincinnati to practice law for more than 57 years until he retired from Aronoff, Rosen & Hunt.

Aronoff began his political career in 1960 serving in the Ohio House of Representativesr for six years before beginning his 30 year tenure in the Ohio Senate. Aronoff served as the Senate President from 1989 to 1996. Prior to becoming Senate President, he served as Chairman of the Finance Committee for multiple General Assemblies.

During his time in the Ohio General Assembly, Aronoff promoted funding for both the development of Cincinnati and the arts, which he had a passion for throughout his life. The city's public institution for the arts was dedicated in his name in 1995. Aronoff fought for other important projects that benefitted his beloved community, including the Cincinnati Convention Center expansion, Garfield Place, Bicentennial Commons at Sawyer Point, the conversion of Union Terminal into the Museum Center, and improvements at Music Hall.

In 2005, Aronoff received the Irma Lazarus Award, an Ohio Governor’s Award for the Arts recognition given to a person or organization that has helped shape public support and recognition of the arts. 

Aronoff was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.