ST. CLAIRSVILLE, Ohio — Robert “Bob” Vincenzo, who devoted nearly four decades to public service in St. Clairsville as a city council member and longtime mayor, passed away Friday, April 25, 2025, at Trinity Hospital in Steubenville. He was 92.
Vincenzo’s impact on the city is profound. After joining city council in 1978 — initially motivated by the simple need for a stoplight — he rose through the ranks, serving as council president and later as mayor from 1992 until his retirement in 2016. Over 24 years as mayor, he guided the city through significant growth and modernization efforts.
Under his leadership, St. Clairsville secured millions of dollars in grants, leading to critical infrastructure upgrades, including new sidewalks, curbs, and improvements to the city’s water, sewage, and electrical systems. He also helped bring to life the community garden and Bike Trail, facilitated the purchase of land for a new football stadium for the schools, and oversaw the development of a children’s playground and an amphitheater. His dedication earned St. Clairsville national and international recognition through America in Bloom.
In a lasting tribute to his service, a park bench honoring Vincenzo sits in front of the Municipal Building, and a clock tower, donated by his wife Dr. Lorrinda Saxby in honor of his birthday, stands proudly as the Vincenzo Clock at the Belmont County Courthouse.
Beyond his mayoral duties, Vincenzo’s public service included leadership roles such as president of the Ohio Mayor’s Association and the Ohio Municipal League, chairman of the BEL-O-MAR Regional Planning Council, and trustee of the Ohio Municipal Electric Association. He also served on the Belmont County Community Improvement Corporation, MRDD-Belco board, and the Belmont College Foundation Board. Belmont College recognized his contributions with a leaf on their Heritage Tree in 2015.
Vincenzo also had a successful career outside politics, working for decades in his family’s construction business, F. H. Vincenzo and Sons, founded by his father in 1918. The company built homes, banks, churches, and other commercial buildings across the region.
Proud of his Italian heritage, Vincenzo was a longtime member of the Sons of Italy in Bellaire.
Toothman’s Funeral Home in St. Clairsville is handling funeral arrangements.
