MIAMISBURG — Miamisburg’s longest-serving mayor has died, a spokesperson for the city announced. He was 81.
>>Dayton residents, city employees urge commissioners to find common ground on budget
Dick Church, Jr. passed away after a brief illness on Thursday, the spokesperson said. He served as mayor for 28 years until he retired at the end of 2019.
Church was a retired local business owner when he first entered public office as a member of Miamisburg City Council in 1988.
Four years later, he ran for mayor and defeated the incumbent by 27 votes, the spokesperson said.
Most recently, Church was serving as part-time administrator for the Mound Development Corporation.
The agency oversees the redevelopment of the former Mound Laboratory in Miamisburg, which was a top-secret federal government facility that produced nuclear weapons components during the nation’s Cold War era, the spokesperson said.
Dayton Congressman Mike Turner released a statement Friday on Church’s passing.
“Devastated to learn of the passing of my dear friend Dick Church Jr. Mayor Church was a dedicated public servant who was instrumental in the success of the Mound site redevelopment and the transformation of the city of Miamisburg. He will be greatly missed by myself and the entire community. My prayers are with Judi and the entire family.”
Funeral services are pending.
©2022 Cox Media Group
