A dedication was held this week naming the canoe and kayak launch by the Mahoning River in Girard in memory of Don Rex. Attending the dedication off Front Street are, from left, Girard Mayor Mark Zuppo; Thomas Smith of the Friends of the Mahoning River; Rex’s wife, Patricia and their children Katie Martino and Michael Rex.

GIRARD — For many years, Girard resident Don Rex served the community as a city councilman, school principal and teacher, and also a member of Friends of the Mahoning River.

To show appreciation for all Rex has done, a special marker has been placed at the canoe and kayak launch in Girard next to the river.

A ceremony was held this week attended by more than 50 people at the launch site off Front Street.

Thomas Smith, vice chairman of Friends of the Mahoning River, said the canoe and kayak launch has been named for Rex, who died last year at 78.

“He was a dedicated council member for Girard and passionate board member for the Friends of the Mahoning River and his dedicated service has left an indelible mark on our hearts and landscape. This renaming not only celebrates his contributions to our community, but also ensures that his legacy lives on every time paddlers set forth from these shores,” Smith said,

Girard Mayor Mark Zuppo said he first met Rex in 1988, when his oldest son was attending elementary school in Girard and Rex was the school principal at Tod Woods School.

Four years later Zuppo ran for city council and was elected, and met Rex again on council.

“Don was my mentor, Don was always there for me anytime I had a question. Don was the guy I could call,” Zuppo said.

Zuppo said last May when he was elected Girard’s mayor,he saw Rex again on election night.

Zuppo said Rex played a key role in making the canoe and kayak launch a reality

Pete Morabito, former board member of Friends of the Mahoning River, said he would often kayak with Rex on the river.

He said Rex was often described as “honorable and trustworthy” and a “natural leader.”

“He was like the ‘Ghostbuster’ of Girard. Who do you call? Don!,” Morabito said.

“Don gave so much to this community. This is our chance now to give something to him,” Morabito said.

Smith said Don Rex’s dedication and vision to showcase the river and nature has enriched many people’s lives.

“People have a better appreciation of our waterways because of Don and an easy access to nature,” Smith said.

Patrica Rex said she and her children, Michael Rex and Katie Martino, were very appreciative of the marker to remember Rex.

Michael Rex said he remembers how hard his father worked to get the canoe launch opened up along the river.

“He wanted to share his passion for the outdoors with others,” Michael Rex said.

Gavin Swirtzer, chairman of the Friends’ board, said he was always glad to have met Rex and appreciated all the time he gave to help the Friends.

He said Rex was always at the summer Riverfest held in Youngstown, speaking with people about the Mahoning River.

Girard Councilwoman-at-Large Lily Martuccio said Rex was a wonderful city official who served the city well.

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