BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio – Belmont County is mourning the loss of a longtime public servant and respected leader. Former Ohio State Representative Jack Cera of Bellaire passed away Sunday at the age of 69 following a two-and-a-half-year battle with cancer.
Cera, a dedicated Democrat, served the 96th District in the Ohio House of Representatives for two separate stints: first from 1983 to 1996, and again from 2011 until 2020, when he left office due to term limits.
A 1974 graduate of Bellaire High School, Cera went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in political science from Brown University in 1978. Throughout his decades of service, he was known for his deep commitment to the people of Eastern Ohio, often highlighting that some of his proudest achievements were helping constituents and promoting community growth.
Following his first stretch in the legislature, Cera continued public service as Workforce Development Director for the Belmont County Department of Job and Family Services, helping residents connect with employment and training opportunities.
Over the years, he received numerous honors for his legislative work including 2013 Upper Ohio Valley Central Labor Council AFL-CIO Legislator of the Year, 2014 Ohio Association of Election Officials’ Legislator of the Year and 2014 Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development Legislative Leadership Award.
An open visitation will be held on Friday, July 19, from 10:00 a.m. until the start of the memorial service at 1:30 p.m. at South Bellaire Methodist Church. Burial will be at the discretion of the family. Arrangements are being handled by Toothman Funeral Home in St. Clairsville.
