Former Ohio Senate President Stanley Aronoff Dies at 91

Aronoff, Known for Championing Public Funding for the Arts, Leaves a Lasting Legacy in Ohio's Political and Cultural Landscape

Stanley J. Aronoff, a Republican who spent nearly 40 years in the Ohio Legislature, including eight as the Senate president, has died at the age of 91.
Aronoff was known for his negotiation skills, particularly in championing public funding for the arts, which led to the creation of Ohio’s Percent for Art law.
He was also instrumental in the restoration of the Ohio Statehouse and the development of Cincinnati, including the establishment of the Aronoff Center for the Arts.
Aronoff and Vern Riffe, the Democratic House Speaker, were the last powerful legislative leaders of Ohio’s pre-term-limits era, and both left under the cloud of an ethics scandal involving speaking fees.
After his political career, Aronoff returned to law practice and worked as a consultant, leaving a lasting legacy in Ohio's political and cultural landscape.