Kent Mayor Jerry Fiala, 82, dies after three decades of service

Kent’s longtime mayor, Jerry Fiala, who had served for more than a decade since his election in 2009, died Sept. 30 at the age of 82.

Fiala’s death was announced at the start of the regular city council committee meeting and followed by a moment of silence led by President Pro Tem and Ward 2 Council Member Jack Amrhein.

“Jerry’s roots were in this community — he was born and bred in Kent, Ohio. He referred to himself as a ‘townie,’” Amrhein said at the meeting. “Over the past 16 years as mayor, even in illness, he worked tirelessly for our community.”

Fiala was a proud member of Kent’s community, and he had served in local government for more than 30 years since he was elected as Ward 1 council member in 1985.

Fiala’s service to the Kent community didn’t begin or end with his role in local government. Fiala earned his Eagle Scout in 1961 with Troop 260, and continued to support the Boy Scouts throughout his life.

“His love for his hometown community was reflected in his dedicated service to this community. He was proud of Kent’s economic development that was made possible while he served as our mayor, he helped to make Kent the best city to live in,” Amrhein said.

Fiala was also a member of the Knights of Columbus #1411, the Kent Lions Club, and the Crooked River Eagle Board of Review.

“Jerry will be greatly missed, not only by his family, but by us, his colleagues, and certainly by the community. The bottom line was that Jerry wasn’t just the mayor of Kent. He was our friend,” Amrhein said.

Calling hours for Fiala will be held on Sunday, Oct. 5, from 1-5 p.m. at Bissler and Sons Funeral Home on West Main Street. A mass will be held Monday, Oct. 6, at 10 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church on North Depeyster Street.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Fiala’s honor to the Kent Police Department, Kent Lion’s Club, Kent Social Services, “or any other local organizations and causes he faithfully supported.”