EAST LIVERPOOL — John Torma, East Liverpool City Council President, passed away on July 8 at the age of 72.

Torma has served the East Liverpool community council president for more than 30 years.

Council member John Mercer, who will serve as president pro-tem over the city council until a replacement is selected, plans to honor Torma’s memory with a moment of silence at the Aug. 3 council meeting.

According to Kim Fusco, Columbiana County Board of Elections director, said per Ohio Revised Code since Torma ran as an Independent and did not have a committee selected to pick his replacement in the event he was unable to fulfill his term, it will be up to Mayor Bobby Smith to select who will serve as council president for the remainder of the term, which ends on Dec. 31, 2027.

“Like the rest of the city, I was shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of John Torma yesterday morning. I have known John for most of my life and had the pleasure of serving on city council under his leadership since 2016,” Mercer said. “John served this community for more than 30 years, and I mourn his loss. I hope that we, as council members, live up to the legacy he leaves behind. Most importantly, though, is to remember that he was dedicated to his family. There are no words adequate to express my sympathy to his loved ones.”