George Victor Voinovich, born on July 15, 1936, in Cleveland, Ohio, was an American politician who served as a United States senator from Ohio from 1999 to 2011. He was the 65th governor of Ohio from 1991 to 1998 and the 54th mayor of Cleveland from 1980 to 1989.

George Voinovich was known for his pragmatic approach to governance and his ability to work across party lines. He was a member of the Republican Party and had a long career in public service, spanning over four decades.

He was the oldest of six children in a family of Yugoslav immigrants. His father, Mile, was a coal miner, and his mother, Antonia, was a homemaker. He grew up in the Collinwood neighborhood of Cleveland and attended Collinwood High School.

He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in government from Ohio University in 1958 and a Juris Doctor degree from Ohio State University in 1961. He served as an assistant attorney general of Ohio from 1963 to 1967 and was a member of the Ohio House of Representatives from 1967 to 1971.

As mayor of Cleveland, George Voinovich focused on improving the city's infrastructure and revitalizing its economy. He played a key role in the city's takeover of the Cleveland Transit System and the creation of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. He was re-elected twice as mayor and served two terms before being elected governor of Ohio in 1990.

As governor, he worked to balance the state's budget, improve education, and promote economic development. He was re-elected in 1994 and served until 1998.

In 1998, George Voinovich ran for the U.S. Senate and won the election, defeating Democrat Mary Boyle. During his time in the Senate, he served on several committees, including the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

He retired from the Senate in 2011 and returned to Ohio, where he continued to be involved in public service and advocacy.

George Voinovich was married to Janet Allan, and they had four children together. He was a lifelong member of the Catholic Church and was known for his dedication to his family and community. George Voinovich passed away on June 12, 2016, at the age of 79, leaving behind a legacy of public service and dedication to improving the lives of Ohioans.