The Youngstown City School District has lost one of its strongest and longest-serving advocates.


Anthony DeNiro, 74, who served in the district for more than 50 years, died Thursday. The cause of death has not been made available at this time. 


"Tony was a tireless, dedicated advocate for YCSD," said CEO Justin Jennings. "He filled many roles and served as a mentor for a lot of educators over the years."


Chaney Principal Rob Kearns is one of those.


"Tony was an experienced leader for whom I had so much respect," he said. "No matter what the problem, he always seemed to have a simple solution. Very early in my career, Tony was one of the first experienced people to reach out to me. That continued right up until this month. Tony was always someone who was willing to help and share advice."


During his tenure at YCSD, DeNiro worked as a teacher, school principal, business manager and deputy chief of operations. He led the district's 10-year construction project through which all of the schools were either rebuilt or renovated.


Superintendent Joe Meranto knew DeNiro for more than 35 years and DeNiro encouraged Meranto to come work at YCSD 17 years ago.


"Tony DeNiro dedicated his life to the Youngstown City Schools and our scholars," Meranto said. "From his early days as a student helper while in high school at Wilson to coming back after retirement, continuing to serve. In the end, he died doing what he loved best, serving our scholars in Youngstown."


During the schools' shutdown which started in mid-March, DeNiro coordinated maintenance and operations employees involved in the district's emergency feeding effort.


"Tony was my first friend at YCSD," said Maria Pappas, the district's chief of core curriculum. "I was hired to lead the district's gifted program which was housed at the former West Elementary where Tony was principal. We talked day and night and by working closely together we were able to transform the program to be named Ohio's urban model by the Ohio Association for Gifted Children. I was proud to call him my friend for 33 years."


Officials say the district will feel DeNiro's absence.


"Tony did a lot for the district over the years, but he did most of it behind the scenes and without fanfare," CEO Jennings said. "He did what needed to be done and he did it for the scholars and for the district, not the credit. He epitomized servant-leadership."


DeNiro leaves his wife, Porsia, and a son, Anthony.