Tony Iriti Has Passed Away
A man who made a tremendous impact on Findlay and Hancock County and left a lasting legacy has passed away.
Tony Iriti was Hancock County Auditor, Findlay Mayor from 2004-2008, President of the then Northwest Ohio Flood Mitigation Partnership, and Executive Director of Findlay-Hancock County Economic Development.
Although he left town for economic development leadership roles in Kentucky and Illinois, the majority of his career was in leadership in Findlay-Hancock County.
Jody O’Brien, Director of the Hancock County Board of Elections, knew Tony for decades and tells WFIN News that he had a way of making people feel important.
Tony was instrumental in economic development efforts and known for his ability to build relationships and connect with people.
“Tony Iriti was one of those rare leaders whose impact on a community cannot simply be measured by titles held or the projects completed. His true legacy was found in the relationships he built, the people he helped, and the confidence he gave others to believe in the future of Findlay and Hancock County”, said Duane Jebbett, past President and Chief Executive Officer of Rowmark.
Jebbett says what made Tony so effective was his deep understanding that strong communities and strong businesses are built through relationships.
“Tony understood that economic development was never simply about incentives or politics. To him, it was about trust, responsiveness, and helping employers feel supported so they could confidently invest, expand, and create opportunities for others. The Tall Timbers Industrial Park, where Rowmark proudly operates today, stands as one example of the collaborative vision Tony helped champion alongside many others who cared deeply about the future of our community”.
Tony was 76-years-old.
Arrangements are pending.
Below are more thoughts about Tony from Duane Jebbett, a community Leader and past President and Chief Executive Officer of Rowmark, LLC.
Tony Iriti’s Lasting Impact on Findlay’s Growth and Future
“Tony Iriti was one of those rare leaders whose impact on a community cannot simply be measured by titles held or the projects completed. His true legacy was found in the relationships he built, the people he helped, and the confidence he gave others to believe in the future of Findlay and Hancock County”.
“I was fortunate to know Tony personally and professionally for many years during the growth of Rowmark. What made Tony so effective was his deep understanding that strong communities and strong businesses are built through relationships. He was a real connector and someone who instinctively knew how to bring the right people together to work through difficult issues, create momentum, and find practical solutions. No matter the challenge, Tony was always willing to take a call, open a door, make an introduction, or help find a path forward”.
“Tony understood that economic development was never simply about incentives or politics. To him, it was about trust, responsiveness, and helping employers feel supported so they could confidently invest, expand, and create opportunities for others. The Tall Timbers Industrial Park, where Rowmark proudly operates today, stands as one example of the collaborative vision Tony helped champion alongside many others who cared deeply about the future of our community”.
“Tony also understood that a thriving community is about far more than business growth alone. He was deeply supportive of charitable and civic causes that strengthened families and improved lives throughout Hancock County. Rowmark employees participated in many of these efforts over the years, and Tony was always willing to lend his support and encouragement. One example that stands out was his support for workforce development initiatives focused on training and employment opportunities for local residents. Efforts such as Raise the Bar continue today to make a meaningful impact on the lives of workers and families throughout our region”.
“More than anything, Tony’s legacy is one of selfless contribution, engagement, optimism, and service to others. He believed in Findlay. He believed in people. And he devoted much of his life to helping both succeed. Findlay is a stronger community because of Tony Iriti, and many of us were fortunate to call him a friend”.
With deepest respect,
Duane Jebbett